Coronavirus: How Long Does the Virus Last on Surfaces?

2 min read.    A useful article explaining how the coronavirus can spread from contaminated surfaces.

Key Points:

• World Health Organization and others health authorities, have emphasised that both washing one's hands and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily are key in preventing Covid-19's spread.

• Covid-19 can be spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough.

• These particles can land on other people, clothing and surfaces around them, but some of the smaller particles can remain in the air.

• Some studies on other coronaviruses, including Sars and Mers, found they can survive on metal, glass and plastic for as long as nine days, unless they are properly disinfected. Some can even hang around for up to 28 days in low temperatures.

• A study has found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives for longer on cardboard – up to 24 hours – and up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces (mobile phones, door handles, laminated work tops and other hard surfaces)

• Research has shown that coronaviruses can be inactivated within a minute by disinfecting surfaces with 62-71% alcohol, or 0.5% hydrogen peroxide bleach or household bleach containing 0.1% sodium hypochlorite

Full Article: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-long-does-the-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces