Main image via iStock + No Jitter
With the number of COVID-19 positive cases rising by day, it is super important that each us takes responsibility with our health and the health of those around us.
Living with the ongoing pandemic for as long as we have, has made us all extra cautious about our surroundings, especially what we touch, how often we wash our hands and sanitise.
Now, according to a new research, we must also be cautious when it comes to handling banknotes, glass and stainless steel as the virus is found to be able to survive on these for up to 28 days.
via GIPHY
Researchers from Australia have found that the virus can survive on banknotes, glass and stainless steel for up to 28 days, which is much longer than the flu virus. In comparison, the Influenza A virus was found to survive on the same surfaces for 17 days.
Highlighting the need for constant hand washing and sanitization to combat the virus, the researches from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, found that at 20 degrees Celsius, the virus remained infectious on smooth surfaces such as plastic banknotes and mobile phone screens’ glass for almost a month!
Published in the Virology Journal, the research involved “drying virus in an artificial mucus on a range of surfaces at concentrations similar to samples from COVID-19 patients and then extracting the virus after a month,” Malay Mail shared.
Experiments were done in controlled laboratory environments at 20, 30, and 40 degrees Celsius. The results showed that the survival time declines as the temperature increased.
“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,” CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall said.
Proteins and fats in body fluids have also been found to sharply increase the virus’ survival times.
“The research may also help to explain the apparent persistence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in cool environments with high lipid or protein contamination, such as meat processing facilities, and how we might better address that risk, Trevor Drew, director of the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness shared.
Image via iStock
In these dangerous times, we must do all we can to be cautious against the virus. Don’t be afraid or shy to be that person, your health and the health of those around you, comes first.
Be sure to sanitise everything you can, wash your hands, wear your face mask, practice physical distancing and follow SOPs. Together we can #FlattenTheCurve again!
Stay safe and stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19
Info via Malay Mail