Nexus Between the COVID-19 Dynamics and Environmental Pollution Indicators in South America

INTRODUCTION: In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are working with health professionals to inform governments to slow the virus’s spread. The extant research contribution has been dedicated to examining the impact of climate indicators such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their combined association between environmental quality and climate indicators to combat COVID-19 in the South American context. METHODS: In this study, we collected data for environmental pollution indicators for the South America region, and correlation analysis and wavelet transform coherence were used as the analytical tools. RESULTS: Empirical estimates conclude that PM(10), NO(2), CO, and O(3) are significant factors in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in South America. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings will serve as policy implications for the state, health officials, and regulators to combat the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in South America.