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Several studies have examined the transmission dynamics of the novel COVID-19 disease in different parts of the world. Some have reported relationships with various environmental variables, suggesting that spread of the disease is enhanced in colder and drier climates. However, evidence is still scarce and mostly limited to a few countries, particularly from Asia. We examined the potential role of multiple environmental variables in COVID-19 infection rate [measured as mean relative infection rate = (number of infected inhabitants per week / total population) × 100.000) from February 23 to August 16, 2020 across 360 cities of Chile. Chile has a large climatic gradient (≈ 40º of latitude, ≈ 4000 m of altitude and 5 climatic zones, from desert to tundra), but all cities share their social behaviour patterns and regulations. Our results indicated that COVID-19 transmission in Chile was mostly related to three main climatic factors (minimum temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity). Transmission was greater in colder and drier cities and when atmospheric pressure was lower. The results of this study support some previous findings about the main climatic determinants of COVID-19 transmission, which may be useful for decision-making and management of the disease.

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1. Marine plastic pollution is worse than expected, and we are starting to realize its full extent and severity. Solving the plastic pollution problem is not easy, as it requires the action and commitment of all sectors of our society. With a coastline extending over 4,000 km (from 18 S to 56 S), Chile is a maritime country, and since plastics are potentially harmful for marine and coastal ecosystems, food security, and public health, plastic pollution is a real threat. 2. Chile is the sixth-largest exporter of seafood (fish, invertebrates, and algae) in the world, but the extent of plastic contamination of marine organisms, its potential effects on commercial species and aquaculture, and its subsequent effects on human health are mostly unknown. 3. Chile has recently introduced some legislation to prevent plastics from reaching the environment and the coastal ocean. Governmental and non-governmental organizations have joined an informal alliance to take action against plastic pollution, both at a national and regional level, but stronger involvement of producers and commerce is required for effective measures. 4. Chilean scientists working on plastic pollution have created the Scientific Plastic Pollution Alliance of Chile network, aiming to promote collaborative and coordinated research focused on this pollutant. The wide geographical extent of Chile, with researchers working in diverse ecosystems, provides a unique opportunity to better understand the consequences of one of the most recent and severe threats to biodiversity. 5. Rather than solely presenting the plastic pollution problem from the scientific perspective, this paper includes views from different sectors of society. Mitigating plastic pollution is exceptionally complex, with this study highlighting the importance of local engagement, media, solving social inequities, new legislation, and law enforcement in order to advance on decreasing plastic pollution from a country-wide perspective.

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Temuco (Chile) is one of the most polluted cities in Chile and Latin America. Although the fine fraction of particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) has been extensively studied and monitored due to its negative impact on public health, its microbiological components remain unknown. We explored, the airborne bacterial community in PM 2.5 under good, moderate, alert, pre-emergency and emergency indices of air quality (AQIs) established by the Chilean government. Bacterial community relationship with environmental factors (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , carbon monoxide, among others), was also evaluated. Significant differences in PM 2.5 bacterial community composition associated with AQIs were revealed, using 16S rRNA target sequences of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) bands. Bacterial communities in PM 2.5 were mainly clustered (80%) into emergency and pre-emergency samples. The dominant phylum was Proteobacteria and most abundant genus was Novosphingobium, traditionally related to opportunistic respiratory diseases. The main factors associated with community structure were PM 2.5 , PM 10 and carbon monoxide concentrations. This study exposed that bacterial community composition in Temuco varies according to AQIs, with the occurrence of potential opportunistic bacteria on heavily polluted days.

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