Understanding how long the coronavirus (COVID-19) remains infectious on surfaces is crucial for both individuals and institutions aiming to reduce its transmission. A study from the New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on this issue, revealing the survival time of the virus on various surfaces, including paper and cardboard.
How Long Can the Virus Survive?
The research has shown that:
- Paper: The virus can survive for up to 3 hours on paper.
- Cardboard: It lasts for a similar timeframe, 24 hours.
Factors Influencing Survival Time
Several factors can influence how long the virus remains infectious:
- Material: Porous materials like paper and cardboard hold the virus less than smooth, non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal.
- Temperature: Higher temperatures reduce survival time.
- Humidity: The virus prefers certain humidity levels, with its survival decreasing outside this range.
Implications for Safety Measures
Given these findings, here are safety measures to consider:
- Quarantine Period: Allow documents or items to sit for 24 hours before touching them if there’s a risk of contamination.
- Use of Gloves: When handling documents or packages, gloves might provide an additional layer of safety.
- Proper Disposal: Discard potentially contaminated paper immediately after use.
✅ Note: Regular handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to combat the spread of the virus.
The revelations from the study underscore the necessity for caution in handling items made from paper or cardboard. While the virus's survival time on these materials is relatively short, it's still a window of opportunity for transmission if precautions aren't taken.
🚫 Note: Do not assume every surface or document is contaminated, but practicing good hygiene and safety measures ensures you are prepared for potential exposure.
Understanding the virus's behavior on different surfaces informs our daily activities, especially in workplaces where paper documents are common. Adjustments in how we handle these items can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
How can I disinfect paper or cardboard?
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Unlike plastic or metal, disinfecting paper or cardboard isn’t straightforward. Allowing for quarantine periods or using gloves when handling potentially contaminated items can be effective alternatives.
Is it safe to receive mail during a COVID-19 outbreak?
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Yes, it’s generally safe. The virus’s survival time on these materials is short, and the risk of transmission through mail is considered low by health authorities.
What should I do with mail if I suspect it’s contaminated?
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Allow the mail to sit untouched for 24 hours, as recommended by the CDC. After this quarantine period, the risk of infection is significantly reduced.
How do different environmental conditions affect the virus on paper?
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Higher temperatures and humidity levels outside the virus’s preferred range can decrease the survival time on paper. However, these conditions can vary, and the virus can still survive for a short time under less than ideal conditions.
