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How Long COVID-19 Lasts on Surfaces
Microfinish specializes in plating and finishing services on surfaces for parts, tools, and more. During the current COVID situation, surfaces are no doubt on the mind.
COVID-19 is at the forefront of almost everyone’s minds these days, since the disease is highly contagious and there still are a lot of unknowns about it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted on its website that the disease is currently understood to spread mainly from person to person. However, their page about how COVID-19 spreads goes on to say that “It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spreads.”
This brings up the question of how long COVID-19 lasts on surfaces. After all, some carriers of COVID-19 are asymptomatic, and may spread the disease unknowingly. As of the time of this publication, the CDC says COVID-19 may last on surfaces for hours to days, but does not specify on what materials it lasts longer. There is also some evidence that direct exposure to sunlight and heat may speed the time it takes for COVID-19 to break down.
The best bet in preventing the spread of COVID-19 particles on surfaces is to wear a mask. Masks can help prevent respiratory droplets from escaping into the air. Clean frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, handles and light switches. Washing hands often, especially after touching surfaces where you don’t know who has touched it before you, is highly recommended, as well as avoiding touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
As more research is done to understand COVID-19, there will be more information on how long it lasts on individual types of surfaces and how to detect it. In the meantime, the team at Microfinish is doing our best to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and we’re here in support of our customers, our employees, and our community!
