Recent findings from Australian scientists suggest that coronavirus is able to live on certain surfaces for nearly a month in colder climates. The virus can also survive on a mobile phone screen for more than 28 days. Research uncovers that the virus is able to survive in open for a much longer time than what was initially speculated. The study concludes that coronavirus can stay on cash for longer periods.
These new findings are attributed to the efforts of the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). These scientists published their study in the Virology Journal.
Coronavirus can stay on cash for 28 days
“Establishing how long the virus really remains viable on surfaces enables us to more accurately predict and mitigate its spread, and do a better job of protecting our people,” stated CSIRO’s chief executive, Dr. Larry Marshall. Research indicates that the virus has been found to be “extremely stable” in nature. This enables it to survive and thrive on smooth, non-porous surfaces for long periods of time. These surfaces also include paper, plastic banknotes, glass, steel, and plastic. Therefore, coronavirus can stay on cash for much longer than anticipated.
If these smooth surfaces are kept at room temperature, the virus is able to survive for a period of 28 days. This is approximately 10 days more than the survival period of an ordinary flu virus. It should also be kept in mind that this experiment was conducted in the dark because the presence of a UV light is very effective in killing the coronavirus.
Higher temperatures provide a less optimum environment for the virus. At temperatures above 40C (104F), the virus was able to survive for less than 24 hours. This theory gained prominence during the early days of the onset of Covid-19 as many theorists believed that the virus would be gone when summers arrived.
At temperatures of 30C (86F), the virus indicated quite mixed results. The virus was able to survive for seven days on surfaces such as stainless steel, plastic notes, and glass. However, the virus was only able to live for three days on surfaces like vinyl, cotton, and cloth. The virus demonstrated significant strength on surfaces like paper. The virus was able to survive for more than 21 days on a paper surface.
The virus can survive on a mobile phone screen
“The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated in this study is pertinent to the public health and transport sectors. This data should be considered in strategies designed to mitigate the risk of fomite transmission during the current pandemic response,” the study stated.
According to the findings of this study, it is apparent that the upcoming winter in the northern hemisphere will provide optimum conditions for the virus to thrive and survive. However, these findings were greeted with enthusiasm in Australia since the country is to experience summer soon. Therefore, people should take extra precautions with cash since coronavirus can stay on cash for more than 28 days.
