How long can Coronavirus last on different surfaces?

As the Caronavirus continues to spread across the globe, people are getting increasingly worried about getting exposed to the virus as they go about their daily routine. Is it safe to touch the buttons in an elevator or receive packages in the mail? Experts say the likelihood of getting infected this way is rather slim, and that social distancing and WHO-recommended hygiene measures are the best bet to avoid infection

The virus could stay active for up to 3 days on plastic

Vincent Munster, chief of Virus Ecology of Rocky Mountain Laboratories in the US, is studying the properties of the Coronavirus, both inside and outside the human body. His experiments found viruses can remain infectious on certain surfaces.

The Coronavirus remains ‘viable’ or infectious on…

• CARDBOARD for up to 24hrs
• PLASTIC 3 days
• STAINLESS 3 days
• As aerosolized floating particles, the virus remains ‘viable’ or infectious on…
• IN AIR 3hrs
• COPPER 4hrs
• STAINLESS STEEL 13hrs
• POLYPROPYLENE (a type of plastic) 16hrs

Viruses do not spread as aerosol particles, except in the case of certain hospital treatments that can aerosolize the virus.

Contracting Covid-19 from surfaces is rare

1. The most common way the virus spreads is through droplets, discharged when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets can travel up to six feet.
2. It is possible to come in contact with virus particles on a surface that someone has sneezed or coughed on, in which case the virus is likely to cause an infection in the first 10 minutes to one or two hours after the sneeze, Munster told the Washington Post.
3. Most virus particles degrade in minutes or hours outside a host organism and the number of infectious particles diminishes rapidly over time.
4. Touching one’s face after coming in contact with surfaces containing the virus could lead to an infection.
5. Studies find that people touch their faces an average 23 times every hour, sometimes more for those with facial hair.
6. As people become wary of touching suspect surfaces, from door handles to banknotes, it’s important to disinfect frequently used surfaces and wash hands regularly but it’s not advisable to immobilize yourself out of fear.
7. But experts say touching surfaces contain the virus is not a major way Covid-19 is spreading. Person-to person contact is the primary way.
8. Besides, coming in contact with some virus particles may not result in an infection.
9. Most infections are caused by large viral loads, which usually requires substantial exposure to the virus. Experts say tens of thousands of virus particles are needed to break down the immune system and cause an infection.
   Ref. Hindustan Times March 17/2020