While we have all taken to wearing masks with the understanding that the COVID-19 virus is predominantly spread through droplets we emit when we speak and cough, new research by the CSIRO has found that under ideal conditions, the virus can last up to 28 days on common surfaces, such as bank notes and stainless-steel handrails.
The research, undertaken at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, found that SARS-CoV-2 survived longer at lower temperatures and longer on non-porous or smooth surfaces, such as glass, stainless steel and vinyl, compared to porous complex surfaces, such as cotton and survived longer on paper banknotes than plastic banknotes.
At 20 degrees Celsius, which is average room temperature, they found the virus was extremely robust.
Dr Debbie Eagles, deputy director of ACDP, has been working on both understanding the virus and testing a potential vaccine.
“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 regular handwashing and cleaning surfaces,” she said.
