New coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours: studyWASHINGTON, United States — The novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, according to a US-government funded study published Tuesday. Scientists found that the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease had similar levels of viability outside the body to its predecessor that caused SARS. The new coronavirus was detectable for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel, and for up to 24 hours on cardboard. The team used a nebulizer to simulate a person coughing or sneezing, and found that the virus was detectable for three hours in the air. The team behind the NEJM study performed similar tests on the SARS virus, finding the two viruses behave similarly.

Source: Philippine Star March 17, 2020 23:48 UTC