Study: Covid remains infectious for 28 days on some surfaces.
The virus that causes Covid-19 can survive on banknotes, glass and stainless steel for up to 28 days, much longer than the flu virus, according to a new study.
Researchers at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, found that the Sars-Cov-2 virus remained infectious for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as plastic banknotes and glass found on mobile phone screens.
By comparison, Influenza A virus has been found to survive on surfaces for 17 days. The study was published in Virology Journal.
CSIRO’s research involved drying the virus in an artificial mucus on a range of surfaces at concentrations similar to samples from Covid-19 patients and then extracting the virus after a month.
Experiments done in controlled laboratory environments at 20C, 30C and 40C showed that the survival time declined as the temperature increased.
“Establishing how long the virus really remains viable on surfaces enables us to more accurately predict and mitigate its spread and do a better job of protecting our people,” CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall said in a statement.
Proteins and fats in body fluids can also sharply increase virus survival times.
“The research may also help to explain the apparent persistence and spread of Sars-CoV-2 in cool environments with high lipid or protein contamination, such as meat processing facilities, and how we might better address that risk,” said Trevor Drew, director of the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
Australia has fared much better than most other rich nations in combating Covid-19, with a total of about 27,000 infections and 898 deaths in a population of 25 million.
The epicenter of the country’s second wave of infection, Victoria state, reported 15 new cases today, well shy of a target of less than five which the government has set for the easing of a hard lockdown in the state capital Melbourne. New South Wales, the most populous state, reported six new cases on Monday, five of whom were returned travellers in quarantine.
Antimicrobial Coating As A Solution
Antimicrobial coating has a chemical compound which is toxic to microorganisms, but safe to humans. An antimicrobial surface contains an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of a material.
Such coating on surfaces are becoming popular in various settings, such as offices, industries, restaurants, schools, and even homes. There are high technology antimicrobial coatings available on the market, which also work by forming an ultra-thin layer of glass, protecting against micro-scratches.
Highline Office Technology provides an antimicrobial surface protection service for printers, MFDs, office equipment, furniture and general surfaces.
Antimicrobial coatings protects us from infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. They have a broad antibacterial activity, including multi-resistant bacteria:
- Active against TGEV-coronavirus (model virus for SARS-CoV) and Influenza A
- Prevents microbial odors
- Permanent fungicidal function
- Deprives house dust mites of food
- Prevents mold growth on smooth and textured surfaces
- Facilitates cleaning and removal of limescale, soot, grease, dust, etc.
- Free from fluorine, PBT & vPvB-substances
Antimicrobial Surface Protection By Highline
Highline Office Technology provides an antimicrobial surface protection service for printers, MFDs, office equipment, furniture and general surfaces. It provides a film coat on machines and office equipment, which stops germs, viruses, fungi and protozoa being spread around.
Highline’s efficient 3 step cleaning and sanitisation process does not harm any of the delicate mechanics of a machine, including the sensitive touchscreens on the same:
- Step 1: The machine is cleaned inside and out
- Step 2: A primer is applied
- Step 3: The machine is coated in a film of antimicrobial sanitiser
Source: RTE News
