Novel Coronavirus Can Live on Some Surfaces for Up to 3 Days, New Tests Show

[brooklynite]

Source: Time

The new coronavirus can live in the air for several hours and on some surfaces for as long as two to three days, tests by U.S. government and other scientists have found.

Their work, published Wednesday, suggests that the virus can spread through the air as well as from touching things that were contaminated by others who have it, in addition to direct person-to-person contact.

Since emerging in China late last year, the new virus has infected more than 120,000 people worldwide and caused more than 4,300 deaths — far more than the 2003 SARS outbreak caused by a genetically similar virus.

For this study, researchers used a nebulizer device to put samples of the new virus into the air, imitating what might happen if an infected person coughed or made the virus airborne some other way.

Read more: https://time.com/5801278/coronavirus-stays-on-surfaces-days-tests/

[certainot]

1. wow thanks. only 3 days on surfaces is good if true, but hours in air is not good at all

that makes coughs and sneezes in public a lot more troublesome

[Aquaria]

2. It's far from good if true.

3 days (72 hours, I take it) is at least 24-48 hours longer than a typical flu survives on hard surfaces, meaning a far greater risk of getting infected.

I got my major shopping done Tuesday and my freezer and pantries are now fully stocked. I got extra fills on my meds and test strips/lancets. I'm now as up to date on my own vaccinations as I can be for the time being (still have a hep C and shingles shot to go). I got my kitty baby up to date with a wellness check and her vaccinations/flea prevention yesterday. I can now stay home for at least the next two months. And I will, because I can. Same thing with my 81 year old mom. We're both hunkered down for as long as we can manage it.

[FailureToCommunicate]

3. And: it takes disinfect sprays like Lysol as long as 15 minutes on the surface before

killing bacteria and viruses.

NOT just a quick wipe.

It's on the label.

[BigmanPigman]

4. I read the directions on my Disinfecting Wipes

on Tues and it said to keep surfaces wet 5 min and I thought that was a long time. Yesterday I wore gloves and asked the doctor if he washed his hands before my migraine-Botox injections in my scalp. I am not taking chances. I have been self guaranteeing except doctors' visits and food shopping.

[Maggiemayhem]

5. Same here as I am in high risk category

due to being 64, with cardiovascular disease and auto immune issues. What bothers me is people in my area who simply don’t believe there is an issue thanks to Fox propaganda.

[forgotmylogin]

7. Scrubbing bubbles! (The kinds that kill 99% of germs and viruses)

I've been foaming my sinks, counters, toilet, bathtub, and doorknobs daily and letting it dissipate naturally.

They also sell hydrogen peroxide in spray bottles, or you can make your own. (Just don't let it bleach your clothing or fabrics.) Spray it on surfaces and let it dry. Don't wipe.

[moonscape]

6. Good news about 'only' 3 days as I have been

reading up to 9 days on hard surfaces, but the length of time in the air is horrific. I have no choice about going to some medical appts regularly and even with every precaution it is impossible to avoid air transmission