How long does coronavirus live on surfaces?

From supermarket items to garden gates, it's difficult not to come in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

As coronavirus continues to grip the UK, people are adjusting to life in lockdown, refraining from leaving the house unless essential, to avoid any potential exposure to Covid-19.

However, it is impossible to safeguard against any contact completely as we come across many objects in our day-to-day lives which are essential to touch, from our mobile phones to parcels in the mail, to supermarket groceries.

There is potential then, for us to be exposed to the virus by coming across a contaminated surface.

How long does the virus sit on surfaces, and can it be contracted this way?

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How long can coronavirus survive on surfaces?

There is no easy answer to this question, as the virus survives on some surfaces for longer than others.

A new study by The New England Journal of Medicine claims the virus can sit for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.

It is believed the virus lasts longer on shiny, hard surfaces such as plastic and steel as opposed to soft, porous surfaces.

According to the World Health Organisation: ‘Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

‘If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others.

‘Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.’

Can coronavirus be spread through contaminated surfaces?

It is possible, although The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasised the virus is generally spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, and not through surfaces.

Their website reads: ‘It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads,’

Referring specifically to food packaging, they continue: ‘In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures.’

As a rule of thumb, it is advised to wash your hands – for at least 20 seconds – after touching any surfaces and to avoid touching your face.

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