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Scientists analyzed 22 studies on human coronaviruses, which include, among others SARS, MERS and the endemic human coronavirus (HcoV) found that they can survive outside the host for up to nine days. Scientists speculate that the new COVID-19 coronavirus may also have the same survival abilities.
An analysis of 22 studies shows that coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS can survive on plastic, metal or glass surfaces for up to nine days. More specifically, viruses can be infectious from two hours to nine days if they are present on the surface outside the host’s body.
See also: Comparison of the coronavirus from Wuhan and SARS
Research on the survival and infectivity of known coronaviruses has been published in The Journal of Hospital Infection.
The researchers also found that the chances of the coronavirus surviving on the surface of an object decrease at 30-40ºC. For most of the coronaviruses studied, the survival rate was practically zero compared to detergents. Disinfectants containing 62-71 percent. ethanol, 0,5% hydrogen peroxide or 0,1 percent. Sodium hypochlorite are able to inactivate viruses within a minute.
“We expect a similar effect against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (causing the COVID-19 disease),” the researchers say.
At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds that human coronaviruses, including the COVID-19 coronavirus, are most often spread by airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Coronavirus can also spread by touching objects or surfaces that have been exposed to the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
What does the discovery of scientists mean for us?
A few weeks ago, we were concerned about whether parcels ordered from China could transmit the COVID-19 coronavirus.
– When asked if there is a possibility of transmission of the virus, I always say yes, but the chance that the coronavirus will be brought from China on a parcel is microscopic, almost zero. The parcels are safe, because before they are delivered to Poland, the virus will die. The time it remains on the surface depends on the humidity and temperature of the air, but this is not the time that the virus would reach our country, said Jan Bodnar, a GIS spokesman, in an interview with Medonet.
His words were confirmed in an interview with Fox News by infectious diseases specialist Patricia A. Stinchfield. She believes the coronavirus would not survive traveling on objects. “We believe that outside the body, the coronavirus can only survive from a few minutes to about an hour,” she added.
The expert also recommended to pay attention to hygiene and wash hands often, especially after contact with objects that could be used by the sick person. And it’s not just about COVID-19 prophylaxis. Washing your hands frequently and not touching your face with dirty hands also reduces the risk of getting the flu.
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The most important information about the coronavirus:
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