The virus that causes COVID-19 can last up to 28 days on surfaces such as mobile phone and ATM screens – much longer than previously¹ thought – but lasts for much less time on softer surfaces, new CSIRO research shows.

 

澳大利亚联邦科学与工业研究组织的一项新研究显示，新冠病毒在手机和自动取款机屏幕等表面上可以存活28天，远比之前认为的要长，但在较软的表面上存活的时间要短得多。

 

Previous research from US health authorities showed the virus could be detected in aerosols² for up to three hours and on plastic and stainless³ steel surfaces for up to three days.

 

Australian researchers tested the virus on polymer banknotes, de-monetised paper banknotes and common surfaces including brushed stainless steel, glass, vinyl and cotton cloth.

 

On glass, stainless steel and paper banknotes, the virus lasted for up to 28 days at 20 degrees.

 

As the temperature increased to 30 and 40 degrees, the virus lasted for less than a week on those surfaces. The study found the virus remained on most surfaces for about six to seven days before starting to lose its potency⁴.

 

On more porous⁵ materials such as cotton, which can absorb the virus, no infectious virus was recovered after two weeks.

 

Similar experiments for influenza⁶ A have found that it survived on surfaces for 17 days.

 

CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall said: "Establishing how long the virus really remains⁷ viable⁸ on surfaces enables us to more accurately⁹ predict and mitigate¹⁰ its spread, and do a better job of protecting our people."

 

The study notes the virus is primarily transmitted through aerosols and droplets¹¹ caused by infected people sneezing or coughing near another person. The role of contaminated surfaces in the virus' spread is yet to be fully¹² determined¹³, according to the study, but has "been suggested as a potential mode of transmission also reflected by the strong focus on hand-washing by [the World Health Organisation] and national control schemes".

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