The coronavirus pandemic continues to be a menace in our country and around the world. Even though medical professionals and world leaders have been monitoring the virus, there is still conflicting information going around about how the virus is spread and what the best ways to protect yourself are. Consequently, there is lots of confusion and fear about contracting the virus from the surface. And while the virus is mostly spread from person to person, there is still some truth to this. Keep reading to find out more on how long coronavirus lasts on surfaces.
Lifespan on Different Kinds of Surfaces
There is still a lot that is unknown about SARS-COV-2, but there is ongoing research about preventing the spread via surfaces and how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on these various surfaces. The lifespan of the virus varies depending on the kind of surface, as does the ease of contracting it, but it can range from hours to days. Below, we have compiled a list explaining how the virus survives on different materials.
Plastic: 3-7 days
- There are lots of plastic objects that we use in our day to day life. If you come into contact with food packaging, credit cards, remote controls or video game controllers, light switches, ATM buttons, toys, or any other plastic that may have been contaminated, take precautions to sanitize and wash your hands.
Stainless steel: 3-7 days
- Most door handles, handrails, keys, cutlery, and other kitchenware are made out of stainless steel. Because these items tend to be in your home, you may be less vigilant when it comes to cleaning and not putting your hands in your mouth after touching them. Make it a habit to avoid touching your face and wash your hands at least once an hour.
Copper: up to 4 hours
- Money has always been one of the dirtiest things that you can touch, but you should be especially careful to avoid touching your face or mouth after handling coins. Pennies really aren’t worth catching coronavirus over!
Paper: Up to 4 days
- Things like paper money, letters/stationery, magazines, tissues, and toilet paper all can support the coronavirus for a long period of time. Be cautious when handling money and be sure to sanitize after any guests have come over.
Glass: Up to 4 days
- Clean your windows, drinkware, mirrors, and technology screens daily to ensure that these high-traffic surfaces don’t become a source of contamination for your family.
Cardboard: 24 hours
- Because people are spending more time at home, many have picked up a new or an escalated online-shopping habit. That means that you likely have cardboard boxes in front of your house that have been handled by any number of people within 24 hours of being delivered. Be sure to wash your hands after opening your packages and avoid keeping the boxes on tables.
Wood: Up to 2 days
- Wooden objects like tables and furniture can support the virus for a long period of time. Go over these surfaces daily with a disinfectant wipe or cleaner to make sure they stay clean and safe!
How to Protect Yourself from Contracting Coronavirus on a Surface
If you are worried about ways to avoid contracting the virus from a surface, the best thing to do is to wash your hands with soap and water frequently and avoid touching your face when in public. The respiratory droplets that spread the virus can land on even the most unsuspecting surfaces, so you need to stay vigilant. The Centers for Disease Control still urges people to continue social distancing where possible and wear face coverings so that the virus doesn’t spread from person to person.
Visit Village Emergency Centers
At Village Emergency Centers, we take your concerns seriously. If you worry that you have come into contact with the coronavirus, whether it be from a surface or another person, visit one of our Houston locations today. We have a skilled 24/7 emergency staff ready and willing to help you get tested in a timely manner. Contact us today if you want to learn more about how long coronavirus lasts on surfaces.