Coronavirus is responsible for the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is contagious, and spreads from one person to another. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets they eject contains the virus and spreads it in the air. A healthy person can catch the virus by breathing those droplets.
Any normal human being is prone to catching the virus, provided they touch an infected person, surface or object having the virus on it and then they touch their mouth, face or eyes.
According to faculty members and researchers from a renowned Caribbean University Medical School, the Coronavirus can live from hours to days on various surfaces and items (like doorknobs and countertops). How long it survives on any kind of surface depends upon its material.
How long does the Coronavirus last on various materials and surfaces?
We will now be having a look at how long the coronavirus lasts one some of the surfaces humans all probably touch daily. We must understand that researchers are still working on the coronavirus and are still trying to determine how to eliminate it.
1. Metal
This material is used in making appliances, furniture, doorknobs, machinery, jewelry, silverware, cutlery, etc. For 5 days, the virus survives on it.
2. Wood
Furniture, tiles, chairs, certain utensils & cutlery, furniture frames, decorative items, specialty toys and related stuff are made from wood. For 4 days the virus lives on it.
3. Stainless Steel
Appliances, electronics, certain stationery, utensils, certain furniture items, some vessels and water bottles and the like are some of the items made from stainless steel. It lasts on it for 2 to 3 days.
4. Aluminum
Soda cans, tin foil, water bottles and some toys are among the things made from aluminum. It lasts on it for 2 to 8 hours.
5. Glass
Drinking glasses, bottles, measuring cups, laboratory instruments, windows, mirrors, table surfaces, panels, door windows and side mirrors are among the many objects made from glass. It lasts on it for up to 5 days.
6. Ceramics
Dishes, pottery, mugs, tiles, laminations are among the items made using ceramics. The virus lasts on this material for just 4 days.
7. Plastics
Packaging (milk containers, cleanser tubes, tooth paste tubes), detergent bottles, lubricant oil bottles, toys, electronics, bus and subway seats, sports car seats, backpacks, elevator buttons and the like. The virus lasts on them for 2 to 3 days.
8. Cardboard
Shipping boxes, surface of board games, certain recreational items are made from it. The virus lasts on cardboard for just a day
9. Copper
Certain coins, tea kettles, and cookware are made from copper. The virus lasts on it for just 4 hours.
10. Paper
The length of time is variable because some strains of the virus live on paper for just a few minutes while some last for 5 days.
11. Food items
It is always a good idea to wash meat, fruits and vegetables under running water before their consumption. Meat and eggs should always be thoroughly cooked. Scrubbing fruits and veggies with a brush or hands is a good way of removing germs.
Washing hands after visiting the supermarket is a must. Those who have a weak immune system might want to purchase frozen or canned produce from supermarkets.
12. Water
The virus is yet to be present in drinking water. Even if the virus gets in water supply lines, the local water treatment plants should be able to kill the germs by disinfecting the water.
What can people do to prevent incidence and infection due to coronavirus?
People can prevent the virus from spreading by disinfecting and cleaning the following:
- Remote controls.
- Keyboards.
- Phones.
- Tables.
- Doorknobs.
- Bathroom fixtures.
- Toilets.
- Countertops.
Usage of a household cleaning spray or wipes comes in handy. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned first with soap and water. Accordingly, they should be properly disinfected.
Should there be a reason to panic due to the coronavirus?
Currently, countries are announcing breakthroughs and are close to treatment of the coronavirus. Yet precautions are necessary in order to prevent it from spreading even further and preventing more from getting sick and even dying.
Warm climate and heat have been rumored to kill the virus. When spring and summer arrive, the virus will hopefully be beaten.