Covid-19: air pollution hindering India's fight against virus

As the air quality over parts of North India including New Delhi continues to deteriorate, scientists have warned that long-term exposure to air pollution could increase the risk of lung diseases and thus hinder the fight against Covid-19.

A study conducted by researchers from Harvard University showed that an increase of even 1 microgram per cubic meter in PM 2.5 is associated with an 8 per cent increase in the Covid-19 death rate.

Although the link between coronavirus and air pollution is yet to be confirmed, scientists warn of a Covid-19 burden in the coming winter months.