The coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive a month on common surfaces. This includes cellphones and paper currency.
In contrast, the flu survives on the same surfaces for about half that time.
This finding has wide implications. They were published in Virology Journal.
The test was done in a lab and under controlled conditions. This may not be the case outside the lab.
But the key takeaway is that the virus is much more durable than the common flu.
Because the virus survives a month on common surfaces, we need to follow key steps.
Cleaning common surfaces is a key. Here is a short video that shows clean supplies and methods to use for these surfaces:
Some treat their hands with sanitizers before and after touching surfaces. This includes buttons and doorknobs.
Key Steps
There are several key steps to reduce the spread of the virus. They are social distancing, wearing a mask, hand washing and to avoid touching of the face.
Wearing a mask is essential to halt the virus. It is one of the key steps we can all take. Here is why.
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message. It reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. Please set a positive example for others. Wear a mask.
Masks help protect us from the virus. And they protect others if we have the virus. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Please wear a mask. And encourage others, too.
A Face Shield Alone is not enough
A face shield alone will not stop COVID-19. Here is why.
We first published this story on September 2. It is worth repeating:
A simple study shows the limits of a plastic face shield. And that they will not protect us from the virus. But they have some benefits. Instead, you need to wear a face mask. Masks are key to halting the virus.
A study done at the Florida Atlantic University shows that a face shield alone will not protect the person wearing the shield. Also, they will not protect others.
However, wearing a face mask with the face shield does work.
Face shields alone do not protect us. But they do provide advantages. Experts point out that a face shield will protect the eyes and discourage touching of the face.
Photograph by Anna Shvets