Does Coronavirus Spread Through Inanimate Objects?

For a long time, there has been a debate around whether Covid-19 can spread through inanimate objects. The commonly held belief is that the virus can only survive on living organisms, primarily in bodily fluids. However, recent studies and scientific findings have challenged this notion. This article explores the truth behind the claim and dispels commonly held myths about virus transmission.

Fact-Checking the Myth

One of the prevalent misconceptions is that non-living objects cannot host the virus, as they lack the necessary host cells for the virus to remain viable. So, the theory goes, viruses cannot infect objects, only their surfaces can bear some of these fluids. However, this belief is now being questioned as scientists uncover new evidence.

Scientific Evidence Against the Theory

According to a recent study conducted by Australia's CSIRO, hard, non-porous surfaces such as glass and stainless steel can host the virus for an extended period. The study found that at 20 degrees Celsius, the optimum temperature for such surfaces, the virus can remain viable for up to 28 days. This finding has significant implications in understanding the spread of the virus in various environments.

Touching Contaminated Surfaces

The understanding of how common this type of infection mechanism is, namely touching an infected surface followed by touching one's mouth or nose, versus inhaling the virus, is still evolving. While the exact percentage of infections that occur through this mechanism versus airborne spread remains uncertain, touching contaminated surfaces is undoubtedly a factor in the transmission of the virus.

How Common is the Transmission via Objects?

Despite the common belief, most scientists and health experts agree that Covid-19 is highly contagious. The transmission is primarily facilitated through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, talks, or breathes. These droplets can range from large cough droplets to a very fine mist called an aerosol. The virus can also survive on surfaces for varying periods, which further increases the potential for transmission through inanimate objects.

The Role of Personal Hygiene

The virus can indeed be transferred to objects like surfaces in public places or personal items such as face masks. If someone with the virus touches these objects and another person then touches the same object and subsequently touches their mouth, nose, or eyes, they can become infected. This scenario poses a significant risk, especially in densely populated areas and public spaces where the virus can spread more easily.

Common Transmission Scenarios

It is not uncommon for a person to infect another by touching a contaminated surface, followed by touching their mouth or nose. The same risk applies to objects like hands, smartphones, and various personal items. The virus can be transmitted from one person to another through simple interactions that many people overlook. Examples include shaking hands, sharing utensils, or using shared door handles or electronic screens.

Recommended Practices to Mitigate Risk

To minimize the risk of virus transmission through inanimate objects, it is essential to follow simple but effective practices:

Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks in public spaces. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

The key takeaway is that while touching surfaces is not the primary mode of transmission, it is an important factor to consider. Following proper hygiene practices and staying informed about the latest scientific findings can help mitigate the risk of virus transmission through inanimate objects.