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The virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces, including mobile phones and banknotes, for up to four weeks, according to new research.
Australia’s national scientific agency CSIRO found Sars-CoV-2 to be “extremely robust” at 20 ° C (68 ° F), or room temperature.
The study also found that the virus survived longer at lower temperatures.
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The researchers said that the virus survived longer on smooth surfaces like glass and stainless steel compared to porous surfaces like cotton.
They also found that the virus survived longer on paper bills than on plastic bills.
A previous study in The lancet in April it found that SARS-Cov-2 could not be detected in glass or banknotes after four days or seven days for stainless steel.
CSIRO’s investigation found that the virus survived for 28 days.
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However, the research was conducted in a dark area that negates the effects of ultraviolet light, as studies have shown that direct sunlight can quickly inactivate the virus.
Dr Debbie Eagles, Deputy Director of the Australian Center for Disease Preparedness, said: “Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious on surfaces for long periods of time, reinforcing the need for good practices such as washing hands and clean surfaces regularly.
“At 20 degrees Celsius, which is roughly room temperature, we found the virus to be extremely robust, surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces like the glass found on cell phone screens and plastic banknotes.
“For context, similar experiments for influenza A have found that it survived on surfaces for 17 days, which highlights how resistant SARS-CoV-2 is.”
There is uncertainty about the superficial transmission of the virus.
the the virus is mainly transmitted when a person coughs, sneezes or talks.
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Dr. Eagles added: “While the precise role of surface transmission, the degree of surface contact, and the amount of virus required for infection have yet to be determined, establishing how long this virus remains viable on surfaces is critical to develop risk mitigation strategies in high contact areas “.
CSIRO Executive Director Dr. Larry Marshall said his latest research builds on other COVID-19 work from the national science agency, such as vaccine testing.
He said: “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.”
