The global pandemic that is ongoing right now is caused by the coronavirus that spreads from person to person within close contact. When someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes, droplets from the person’s mouth travel in the air and contaminate it.Â
If a healthy person, who is not sick, comes in contact with the contaminated air, they will get the coronavirus. You can also contract the virus if you touch any object’s surface that has the virus and then proceed to touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
How Long Can Coronavirus Survive On A Surface?
The coronavirus can live for hours or even days, depending on the surface. It is hard to know the exact survival duration with its changing variants. Below given are some of the time spans given for how long the virus stays on various objects:
Plastic
We use plastic every day in our lives; some examples are:
- Water bottles
- Milk containers
- Containers of drinks and straws
- Food packaging
- Toys
- Toothbrushes, plastic bags, and many other items.
The virus can stay on plastic surfaces for about three days. However, some studies show that they can stay longer, even seven days.
Metal
Metal is also another material that is used on many daily items, such as:
- Stainless steel – door handles, refrigerators, metal handrails, keys, kitchen utensils, taps, industrial equipment, etc.
- Copper – coins, jewelry, electric wires, cookware, etc.
The virus has been detected to stay on metal surfaces for 3 to 7 days.
Paper
Some paper products that we use every day are:
- Paper money
- Toilet paper
- Newspapers and magazines
- Tissues
- Paper towels
- Letters and stationery
On paper, the virus can stay for over 3 hours, or sometimes even for four days.
Some other surfaces are:
- Glass, where the virus stays for over four days,
- Cardboard, where the virus stays for 24 hours,
- And on wood, where it stays for two days.
How to Disinfect Areas With Coronavirus?
To reduce chances of contracting the virus from any of the surfaces mentioned above, follow some safety rules given below:
- Use a cleaning spray and wipe to disinfect the surfaces, even better if you use sanitizer.
- Keep surfaces clean even when no one is sick.
- Come home and clean your hands, feet, and face thoroughly to remove any germs and viruses if you go outside.Â
For safe and expert dental care solutions during this covid pandemic, book an appointment with Dr. Jeanne V. Devi, DDS. Call us at (626) 795-2544 or visit our website for more details. We are located at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101.
