How Long Does the Coronavirus Live on Surfaces?

Recent tests indicate that the coronavirus called COVID-19 can live on surfaces and remain infectious at room temperature for up to nine days. On average, it may survive between four and five days. There is so much unknown at this time in regard to how the virus reacts in different environments, such as the temperature or exposure to sunlight. We do know that COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. People must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. It may be possible for a person to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly eyes.

Below is information on how long coronavirus is thought to live on different surfaces:

Copper – up to 4 hours

Cardboard – up to 24 hours

Plastic – up to 3 days

Stainless Steel – up to 3 days

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home each day, including counters, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, doorknobs, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, work stations and bedside tables.

Sources: www.health.harvard.edu, www.cdc.gov

HELPFUL RESOURCES

North Oaks Health System – www.northoaks.org/coronavirus
Louisiana Dept. of Health – www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Prevention & Control – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
National Alliance on Mental Illness – www.nami.org
Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline – 1 (866) 310-7977 (24/7)
North Oaks Screening Line – (985) 230-2778