How long does coronavirus live on different surfaces

Can I get COVID-19 by opening a package from AliExpress? What about books from the library or a barbell at the gym? We figure out how long the coronavirus lives on different surfaces, based on existing research, WHO data and the views of Susan Wootton and Michael Chung, two infectious disease specialists at McGovern School of Medicine at Texas university.

• While research is still ongoing, WHO reportsthat the behavior of COVID-19 is in many ways similar to other already known and studied coronaviruses. This gives us an idea of ​​what the new virus is capable of.
• The lifespan of the coronavirus on different surfaces varies from several hours to several days. It depends not only on the material, but also on temperature and humidity. In laboratory conditions it was possible to revealthat coronaviruses live up to 9 days.
• According to Wootton, in real conditions this period is much lower and can be only a couple of hours. It stays longest in a cold and humid climate, but heat and dryness, on the contrary, kills it faster.
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• Fresh report based on 22 studies, it has shown that disinfection of rooms, things and surfaces is really effective in fighting the virus.

What you need to be careful with

Here's what experts say about the dangers of certain items during the outbreak of coronavirus.

• Books from the library relatively safe, Wootton says. At the same time, there are many dangers in the library - the virus can be on the shelves with popular books (if they are open) and on the tables in the reading room. You should be careful with anything that other people often touch.
• Gym equipment, supermarket carts and baskets, kindergarten doorknobs and toys can be dangerous, while lockers and other items that you don't share with other people should be fine. If you touch a potentially contaminated object, as soon as possible wash your hands and don't touch your face.
• By data WHO, risk get infected from parcels minimal.
• And here smartphone should definitely be cleaned. We carry it everywhere, take it out of our pocket or bag many times a day, and it can become a real breeding ground for diseases. Devices for ultraviolet cleaning quite fit - Samsung provides this service is free for Galaxy devices - or use this instructionto disinfect the smartphone yourself. If possible, keep your smartphone away from your face and talk through the speakerphone or headphones (but do not forget to clean them regularly, too).

Cleaning to protect against coronavirus

Here are some basic cleaning rules in and around your home to follow during a potential infection.

• Wootton argues that soft surfaces are not to worry about, but places you often touch - for example, doorknobs and cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom - you need to pay more attention.
• If you go to the gym, after use, wipe down the dumbbells, machines, and other equipment you used after you. According to Michael Chang, the wet wipes found in most rooms do work. Typically they combine isopropyl alcohol, which kills bacteria, and / or benzalkonium chloride, which removes both dirt and viruses.
• After cleaning, it is important not to wipe the surface dry, but to let it dry on its own - alcohol or other active ingredient takes time to get rid of the virus.
• US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released instructions for cleaning and disinfecting the house. Although routine cleaning does not kill bacteria or viruses, it does remove them, which minimizes the possibility of infection. Disinfection means the complete destruction of bacteria.
• It is recommended to first get rid of the dirt with a detergent, then walk on hard surfaces with diluted bleach or alcohol solution with a concentration of at least 70%. Cleaning must be done with gloves, when working with chemicals, do not forget to ventilate the room.
• Be prepared to clean often - at least once a day.
• When wash use the maximum temperature allowed for the fabric. If your machine has a drying mode, use it. Remember, the coronavirus cannot stand heat and dryness.