How Long Can COVID-19 Live on Different Surfaces?

Now that COVID-19 has been around for a while, scientists have a better understanding of how it behaves, how it’s spread, and how long it can reside on particular surfaces. If you’re wondering mostly about the latter question, the short answer is: probably longer than you think.

While researchers said earlier during the pandemic that COVID-19 could last days on certain surfaces, according to a study by Australia’s National Science Agency, The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive on items such as banknotes and phones for up to 28 days in cool, dark conditions, according to a study by Australia’s national science agency.– which is why you should have commercial cleaning companies help you reduce the threat in the workplace.

Common Surfaces in Offices

There are a number of surfaces in offices where the virus can hide out on for days. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that when it comes to metal surfaces like doorknobs, the research shows the virus can survive for about five days.

For other materials common in commercial settings, such as furniture, that number is four days. Meanwhile, it can survive on stainless steel (e.g. sinks) for about three days according to the CDC, which all can be disinfected with help from janitorial cleaning services.

Other Surfaces Handled by Workers a Risk

However aside from countertops and desks and doorknobs that are frequently touched by multiple people, there are other material you might not suspect that can harbor the virus for weeks.

While it can survive on cardboard used frequently for shipping boxes for about 24-hours, there are other products where it can thrive for longer. While the CDC says the virus can survive on paper for up to five days, that number has been shown more recently to be up to 28-days in the case of banknotes – which should of special concern to any business handling money.

Office Conditions Affect Virus Lifespan

The latest research shows that the virus can live this long on both paper money and even phones for about a month if the conditions are right – namely in cooler, darker environments. Raising the room temperature reduces the lifespan of COVID-19 on common surfaces, but more realistically, building cleaning services can help minimize the risk with scheduled visits to sanitize and disinfect all surfaces.

Of course, directing staff to wash or sanitize their hands regularly can help mitigate any risks from picking up the virus from a surface. Keep in mind that a sneeze or cough can end up spreading droplets onto surfaces that can later be transmitted.

Learn more about why you should turn to commercial cleaning companies to help in your efforts to keep your staff and clients safe from COVID-19 from Arelli Cleaning.