US researchers have found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses are active on steel and plastic for days.
The lifespan of the coronavirus on surfaces! – The most important thing at the beginning:
Door handles, handles, packaging: can you become infected with the new coronavirus through them? US researchers investigated the activity of the viruses on different surfaces.
SARS-CoV-2 viruses comparable to the older SARS-CoV-1
US researchers have looked into how long SARS-CoV-2 viruses remain active and therefore infectious on various surfaces. They also made comparisons with the well-known SARS-CoV-1, the most closely related virus. The survival of the new SARS-CoV-2 in the air or on certain surfaces is quite comparable to the older SARS-CoV-1.
In order to contain the epidemic, it is helpful, among other things, to know how the new coronavirus remains contagious on various surfaces that people come into contact with every day.
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Different surfaces mean different activity
Vincent Munster's team at the National Institutes of Health in Hamilton, Montana, wrote in a MedRxiv preprint that germs remain active on plastic and stainless steel the longest, three days This suggests that hospital equipment, as well as grab bars or loops on public transport, could be potential vectors.
The germs were for up to 24 hours on cardboard only four hours on .
Virus particles that suspended in the air (aerosol) remained for around three hours . The amount of viruses steadily decreased.
What is important about all of these results is that the concentration of viruses and thus the infectious dose gradually decrease.
It is also important to remember that these tests were carried out under laboratory conditions. The transferability of these studies to real conditions is only possible to a limited extent, but given the prevailing uncertainty it helps to develop a feeling for it.
Summary
- Plastic and stainless steel: up to three days
- Box: up to 24 hours
- Copper: up to four hours
- Air: up to three hours
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Recommendation of the health authorities
In addition to frequent handwashing with soap, it is recommended to disinfect surfaces with alcohol-based cleaners and diluted hydrogen peroxide to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.
Related: New coronavirus: Can I get infected through used clothing?
Source: heise online / German health portal
Article image: Shutterstock / By Maridav
Notes:
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