Coronavirus Can Survive On Surfaces For Up To 9 DAYS Instead of Just 5, Scientists Predict

If you need any more reason to make it a habit to wash your hands after touching public surfaces, then you will probably want to take note of this report from Forbes magazine. In a worrying development, it is suggested that the Corvid-19 coronavirus may actually be more resistant and difficult to kill as compared to other viruses.

Source: IB Times

This was discovered after Professor Günter Kampf of Greifswald University Hospital’s Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine ran a study into the Covid-19 novel coronavirus and found out that with comparisons of 22 historical studies of other coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), it is revealed that these family of viruses can survive for up to 9 days on inanimate surfaces.

This is in contrast with the initial belief that the Covid-19 virus was only able to live on surfaces for 5 days. That’s right guys, the Covid-19 novel coronavirus can survive up to 9 days on inanimate surfaces.

Source: Spain News

This includes particularly steel and plastic surfaces such as elevator buttons, bed frames, and especially grab handles on public transport, among others. Remember, Covid-19 is known to be a droplet-based infection that can be spread by human-to-human contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Source: Astro Awani

Despite initially intending to publish these findings in an upcoming textbook, the current outbreak necessitated quick access to accurate, science-backed information at a glance. As such, the research paper can now be found on the Journal of Hospital Infection for easing reading and reference.

Apparently, low-temperatures and high humidity can increase the lifespan of these viruses, adds Professor Kampf.

Well you’ve heard it guys, with a lifespan of up to 9 days, we really can’t stress how important it is to always wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything, especially your own face! 

Also read: Watch: Man Deliberately Spits On Tissues & Wipes Them Over Elevator Buttons Amid Wuhan Virus Crisis