Covid-19, a study: 'The virus survives up to 28 days on banknotes and glass'

Covid-19, a study: 'The virus survives up to 28 days on banknotes and glass'.

IThe SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive for up to 28 days on common surfaces including banknotes and glass, such as that of mobile phones, and stainless steel. A group of researchers from the CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, discovered this in a study published in the Virology Journal. The research, conducted at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong, found that SARS-CoV-2: survived longer at lower temperatures; tended to survive longer on non-porous or smooth surfaces such as glass, stainless steel and vinyl, compared to complex porous surfaces such as cotton; and survived longer on paper banknotes than on plastic banknotes.

“Establish how long the virus actually remains viable on surfaces allows us to more accurately predict and mitigate its spread and do a better job of protecting our people,” says Larry Marshall, head of CSIRO. “Our findings 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 surface cleaning,” adds Debbie Eagles, deputy director of ACDP. The experiments were done at 20 degrees Celsius, or room temperature. Further tests were done at 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, with survival times decreasing as the temperature increased. The study was also conducted in the dark, to remove the effect of UV light as research has shown that direct sunlight can rapidly inactivate the virus. “While the precise role of surface transmission, the degree of surface contact, and the amount of virus required for infection have yet to be determined, establishing how long this virus remains viable on surfaces is critical to developing risk mitigation strategies in high-contact areas,” Eagles said.