Australian scientists have recently reported that the virus which causes novel Coronavirus can last up to 28 days on surfaces such as stainless steel, the glass on the mobile phones, vinyl, and paper banknotes when kept at 20 ºC (68 ºF), which is about room temperature, and in the dark. This indirectly highlights the need for cleaning the surfaces regularly in order to conflict with this deadly virus.
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has found that the virus in a more controlled environment tends to be more dangerous and infectious for a longer period of time. As this experiment was conducted in the dark, it is known that the UV light kills the virus.
Some experts conflicted with the idea of the virus being present on the surfaces and being a threat to transmission. The virus is known to spread by sneezing, coughing, or by talking. But, there is also evidence that the COVID-19 virus can be spread through the air. There is a possibility of people being infected by touching these surfaces, though the possibility of this happening is very low.
COVID-19 Virus Lasts for longer period
CSIRO researchers have stated the SARS-COV-2 virus being infectious for as long as four weeks on various smooth surfaces. This study was published in the Virology Journal.
In comparison with the influenza virus which can last for about 17 days on the surface, the COVID-19 virus lasts for a longer period.
The study’s lead researcher Shane Riddell said, “It really reinforces the importance of washing hands and sanitizing where possible and certainly wiping down surfaces that may be in contact with the virus.”
Gist of the study
This study involved the drying of the virus in artificial mucus on a range of surfaces with concentrations alike to COVID-19 infected patients and then, recovering the virus after a month.
The various experiments were done at 20, 30 and 40 ºC have proved that the virus can last on cooler temperatures, longer on smooth surfaces for a longer time than in hotter temperatures and complex structures like cotton. These experiments were done in the dark, as it is identified that UV light creates an impact on the virus.
These researchers have also said that the proteins and fats present in the body can increase the survival chances of the virus inside the body which makes it more feasible for the virus to be persistent in the spreading of the virus in cold environments like meat-packing facilities.
