There is no evidence supporting the claim that preexisting T cell immunity reduces COVID-19 mortality and infection rate; such cross-reactive T cells predate the pandemic
After a peak in April 2020, the daily infection rate, ratio of positive cases, and daily death rate from COVID-19 decreased in several countries in Europe and the U.S. However, those indicators increased again in September to October 2020, indicating a resurgence of the pandemic. Recent data indicate that some people have preexisting white blood cells that are able to recognize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. However, it is currently unclear whether these cells affect a person’s susceptibility to the virus. Current data also suggests that the number of infected people in Sweden is far below the threshold for herd immunity.