NIH: Coronavirus on surfaces/packages

[wnylib]

NIH research studies indicate how long this new coronavirus remains active on various surfaces:

Copper, 4 hours
Cardboard, 24 hours.
Stainless steel and plastic, 2 to 3 days.

Aerosoized virus (from coughing, sneezing, or exhaling) remains active in the air for 3 hours.

Therefore, it can be picked up from touching door handles. This includes indoor handles on frozen and refrigerated items in convenience and grocery stores. Also elevator buttons.

This virus can also be picked up from packages shipped in cardboard within 24 hours of being touched by an infected person.

You transmit it to yourself if you touch an infected surface and then rub your eyes, touch your mouth.

The NIH said it is unclear whether the coronavirus can be spread from person to person through the air (aerosolized form). They didn't say why, but I am guessing there is doubt about whether it can remain suspended in air after being coughed or exhaled out. Some weeks ago I read that this new coronavirus is weightier than other viruses, making it less likely to be spread by airborne transmission, unless you are very close to an infected person.

[emmaverybo]

1. Heard on tv an expert of some kind say the droplets weren't so small they stay in the air. In

fact, he said it is not airborne. But maybe more info now.

[wnylib]

4. What you heard fits with the NIH

Last edited Tue Mar 17, 2020, 12:52 PM - Edit history (1)

doubts about it being transmitted by air. It's a density and weight issue. It is larger and heavier than other viruses. So, it does not come out in fine particles when people cough or sneeze. However, gross as it is to mention, sometimes a cough or sneeze produces wet droplets of mucous. Those will contain the virus and can travel through the air a short distance when expelled in a cough or sneeze.

If you are in the room, but 8 feet away from an infected cougher, you are probably ok as long as you are careful about touching surfaces.

[Pobeka]

2. remember, if you get a package that is cardboard, the tape sealing it is plastic.

I'd err on the side of caution, and either disinfect the tape, or set the package aside for 3 days and immediately wash my hands after handling the package.

[wnylib]

3. I would disinfect the package

immediately, and then my hands and any surface it touched.

When I do need to go out, I carry Chlorox wipes in a sealed plastic lunch bag and disinfect my hands when
done. Also use a tissue to open doors and keep a bag to put them in and throw away. Di.es no good to use a tissue and then put it in your pocket or keep it in your hands.

[JudyM]

5. There's an issue with the term aerosolized. Regardless, there is evidence the virus stays in the air

and we all need to be careful to maintain social distancing.

There was a bus in China... the virus was found to have infected people not only on that bus run, but after the non-coughing, non-sneezing yet infected passenger has disembarked. Folks that subsequently boarded the bus were infected by it, as well.

[wnylib]

6. Agree about the term

aerosolized. But it is the term that the NIH used.

People who boarded that bus later apparently touched contaminated surfaces.

[musette_sf]

7. We are taking everything that comes in the house

to the garage and spraying with alcohol.

[wnylib]

8. Good idea. Wish I had a separate

place to do that. I am in a 6 story apt building in a very urban location. Regular mail goes into individual, small, locked mailboxes in the lobby. Larger packages go to the management office to be picked up.

I am considering wipes or spray for the mailboxes. (Need to consider not only the post office hands, but also the neighbors in the building.) Could spray mail in the lobby, before going onto elevator (and spraying buttons) back to my apt.

Have not ordered packages, but have to consider what to do about bringing in purchased items when shopping. Plus coins and common use laundry room.