COVID-19 Can Live on Plastics and Stainless Steel For Up to Three Days

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine further explained how COVID-19 is spread onto everyday surfaces, through coughing and touching objects.

In the study, researchers monitored how long the virus continued to be infectious on various surface types.

Apparently, COVID-19 can last for up to three hours in aerosols (liquid droplets in the air, from coughs or sneezes), four hours on copper and 24 hours on cardboard.

However, the virus can live on plastic and stainless steel for up to two to three days.

“The results provide key information about the stability of [the virus] and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects,” a press release from National Institutes of Health said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus spreads person-to-person through close contact or respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can be highly contagious.

This is why experts recommend washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer can also be used, best with at least 60 percent alcohol content.

Of course, everyone should also avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouths with unwashed hands.

Stay safe out there, y’all.