Virus That Causes COVID-19 Can Survive Up to 28 Days on Surfaces, Scientists Find

A study by Australian scientists published in the Virology Journal found that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive for up to 28 days on surfaces, and persist longer at lower temperatures, reports The Guardian . The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) said the virus survived longer on paper banknotes compared to plastic banknotes, and lived longer on smooth surfaces rather than porous surfaces like cotton. "The virus can persist . . . but . . . I would say 90 percent of the problem and the transmission is related to being close to people who cough over you or sneeze over you or send you droplets," said Australian National University Professor Peter Collignon. "Probably around 10 percent of transmission is likely to be just hands and surfaces." The coronavirus also persisted 10 days longer than influenza on certain surfaces. CSIRO CEO Larry Marshall said establishing how long the virus survived on surfaces allowed researchers to more accurately predict and prevent its proliferation. Australian Center for Disease Preparedness Deputy Director Debbie Eagles said the study's results add credibility to the need for good practices like regular hand washing and cleaning surfaces. "While the precise role of surface transmission, the degree of surface contact, and the amount of virus required for infection is yet to be determined, establishing how long this virus remains viable on surfaces is critical for developing risk-mitigation strategies in high-contact areas," she concluded.