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The virus responsible for Covid-19 can remain infectious on surfaces such as banknotes, phone screens and stainless steel for 28 days, researchers say.
Photo: 123rf
Findings from Australia’s national scientific agency suggest that SARS-Cov-2 may survive on surfaces much longer than previously thought.
The virus is most often spread when people cough, sneeze, or talk.
But experts say it can also be spread by particles in the air, as well as on surfaces like metal and plastic.
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Previous laboratory studies have found that SARS-Cov-2 can survive two to three days on banknotes and glass, and up to six days on plastic and stainless steel, although results vary.
But the latest investigation by Australia’s CSIRO agency found the virus to be “extremely robust”, surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on cell phone screens and plastic and paper bills, when held at 20 ° C (68 ° F), which is roughly room temperature.
By comparison, the flu virus can survive under the same circumstances for 17 days.
Establishing how long the virus actually remains viable on surfaces allows us to more accurately predict and mitigate its spread, and do a better job of protecting our people, “said Dr. Larry Marshall, CSIRO CEO.
The study, published in the Virology Journal, found that the virus survived less time at higher temperatures; It stopped being infectious within 24 hours at 40 ° C on some surfaces.
The experiments were carried out in the dark, as ultraviolet light has been shown to kill the virus.
The study authors said that the ability of SARS-Cov-2 to persist in stainless steel at cooler temperatures could explain the Covid-19 outbreaks in meat processing and cold storage facilities.
Thousands of workers tested positive in meat processing factories and slaughterhouses around the world.
Other reasons suggested above include nearby work conditions, cold and humid environments, and the need to yell at loud machinery.
CSIRO researchers also say their findings support previous research suggesting that the virus can survive on fresh and frozen foods.
The World Health Organization says: “There are currently no confirmed cases of Covid-19 transmitted through food or food packaging.” But it does list a number of precautions you can take to avoid cross contamination.
-BBC
