Study reveals how long COVID-19 remains infectious on cardboard, metal and plastic

[2greys]

The virus that causes COVID-19 remains for several hours to days on surfaces and in aerosols, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found.

The study suggests that people may acquire the coronavirus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. Scientists discovered the virus is detectable for up to three hours in aerosols, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

“This virus is quite transmissible through relatively casual contact, making this pathogen very hard to contain,” said James Lloyd-Smith, a co-author of the study and a UCLA professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. “If you’re touching items that someone else has recently handled, be aware they could be contaminated and wash your hands.”

newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/...

[Tugun]

Many Thanks for this. I was about to go looking for this info when your post popped up.

[RoadRunner44]

Your reminders and factual information is so welcome 2greys. Chrys

[carrina]

I am confused again, if they are suggesting that we can catch it through the air, does that now mean that we should not open our windows or go out ?

[2greys in reply to carrina]

Micro droplets like with a fog. Dr. John........ eluded to his video last night, with air condition. A bad analogy, but think in terms of legionaries disease, localised rather than in the air everywhere like a gas would be.

[jackdup]

I did a search when this first started and many articles said viruses can live up to 9 days on surfaces so am surprised, and relieved and happy it is only 2-3 days. I suspect different viruses may have different characteristics.