A study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong examined how long the virus can remain on commonly-touched objects.
New Delhi| The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can remain infectious on the outer surface of face masks for as long as a week, a new study has found.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and published in the medical journal The Lancet, examined how long the virus can remain on commonly-touched objects like that of currency, tissue papers and clothes at room temperature.
However, the virus can be killed by household disinfectants, bleach or frequent hand washing with soap and water, said the researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
The study found that the COVID-19 virus can stick to stainless steel and plastic surfaces for up to four days, and to the outer layer of a face mask for a week, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Monday.
The report, published in The Lancet journal, adds to a growing body of research about the stability of SARS-CoV-2 — as the novel coronavirus is formally known — and what can be done to prevent its transmission.
Researchers “strikingly” found detectable levels of coronavirus on the outer layer of a surgical face mask even after seven days.
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Malik Peiris, a clinical and public health virologist, told the South China Morning Post, “This is exactly why it is very important if you are wearing a surgical mask you don’t touch the outside of the mask, because you can contaminate your hands and if you touch your eyes you could be transferring the virus to your eyes.”
However, these results do “not necessarily reflect the potential to pick up the virus from casual contact” since the presence of the virus on objects and surfaces was detected using lab tools, and not fingers and hands.
The study’s findings might help modify and improve the existent precautions that need to be taken to avoid contracting coronavirus and to slow down its spread.
(Input from Agencies)
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