Virus can could survive up to nine days outside the body, study says

Our Reporter

RESEARCHERS claim that the current coronavirus could survive up to nine days outside the human body if it proves as resilient as previous strains.

An analysis of 22 former coronavirus surveys by the Journal of Hospital Infection found that cold, low-humidity environments are ideal for the disease.

Past strains included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Some surfaces are said to be better for the virus than others.

“On copper and steel it’s pretty typical, it’s pretty much about two hours,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield said.

But he said it is longer on other surfaces — cardboard or plastic.

“And so we are looking at this,” he added.

Transmission can occur when a person touches a contaminated object or surface, then touches their mouth, nose or eyes, though one scientist suggested this type of transmission is rare. Even less likely, is contamination from packages coming from overseas.

“The important big take-home message is that this is probably a small proportion of the transmission of respiratory viruses,” said Timothy Brewer, an epidemiologist in California.

“Out in the community, these viruses are probably not surviving for a long time on surfaces.”