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Although research is still ongoing on how long the COVID-19 coronavirus can survive outside the host, it is already known that it will survive up to several hours on flat surfaces, objects, and clothes. Therefore, the question arises – how to disinfect the space around you, especially your clothes? We asked dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Dzieśćtkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease is similar to other coronaviruses (SARS or MERS), which can survive on flat surfaces from several hours to several days. The time discrepancy depends on the type of surface, its humidity and temperature.
The COVID-19 coronavirus will have better conditions to develop in a humid environment.
- Also check: How does the coronavirus attack the body?
How to disinfect flat surfaces and objects?
Among the WHO recommendations is a method of disinfecting flat surfaces and objects, which involves the use of basic detergents that will allow you to get rid of microorganisms.
- See also: These items love viruses
Which surfaces should I disinfect most often?
The most frequently disinfected surfaces should include:
- bathroom – shower cubicle / faucet / bathtub / sink / tiles on the wall / tiles on the floor;
- kitchen – worktop / tap / sink / fridge / cabinets;
- bedroom – bed / door handles / linen change every 2-3 weeks;
- guest room / child’s room – most touched items / shelves / cabinets / switches and light switches / contacts / chair backs.
Read more: Could I have contracted the coronavirus?
Garment disinfection – what does it look like?
What should disinfecting clothes look like? According to dr hab. Dr. Tomasz Dzieiątkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw, ordinary washing is enough. Due to the fact that the coronavirus is an enveloped virus, it will be inactivated by the simplest detergents and elevated temperature. For this reason, we do not have to worry about clothes. However, it is important that it does not stay in the laundry basket for a long time.
Check out other information on the coronavirus as well:
- 10 questions about the coronavirus. What do you need to know?
- What’s new about the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and COVID-19 disease?
- A handshake or a “turtle”? Epidemiologists have proven that the traditional greeting carries 10 times more microbes
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.