A group of researchers recently published a study that indicates that the types of coronaviruses that infect people can remain outside the body, on surfaces such as plastic, glass and metal for about 9 days at room temperature, and can infect people who come into contact with those surfaces.
To reach this conclusion, 22 studies were analyzed that included information on the coronavirus responsible for SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), since there are not many studies available on the new coronavirus, the COVID-19. The researchers also claim that the structure and characteristics of COVID-19 are similar to those of SARS and MERS, and therefore COVID-19 could also remain out of the body for the same period and remain infectious.
Study results
The researchers analyzed 22 studies on the transmission and forms of resistance of the SARS and MERS viruses, verifying that the transmission could happen from person to person through the inhalation of droplets suspended in the air and also in a family and hospital environment through contact with infected surfaces.
According to the data collected, the researchers found that the coronavirus can remain on glass, plastic and metal surfaces and be contaminant for 2 hours to 9 days at room temperature. They also found that elevated temperatures between 30ºC and 40ºC decreased the activity of very pathogenic coronaviruses, such as MERS.
Regarding COVID-19, although the researchers report that this type of coronavirus can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 9 days in adequate conditions, further studies are needed to prove this relationship, because until now there is not much information available on this type of virus.
How coronavirus transmission happens
The transmission of the coronavirus occurs mainly through the inhalation of droplets of saliva and respiratory secretions that are suspended in the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. In addition, some types of coronavirus, including COVID-19, can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated animals.
The transmission of coronavirus from contact with contaminated surfaces has already been proven in the case of SARS and MERS, however studies are still needed to indicate that COVID-19 can also be transmitted in this way. Learn more about coronavirus transmission.
See how to protect yourself from the coronavirus by watching the following video:
