Coronavirus can survive on face masks for a week, confirms a new study in Lancet

• A study in Lancet journal tested the survivability of Coronavirus on commonly used household items like stainless steel, plastic and tissue paper.
• In their findings, the researchers noted that household disinfectants are effective in killing the virus.
• The study also reiterates that washing hands and maintaining good hygiene are on the top of the list of precautions to be maintained to control the spread of Coronavirus.

Coronavirus can survive on face masks for a week and on other surfaces for days, confirms a new study published in science journal The Lancet. The latest study sheds light on the survivability of Coronavirus on objects with which we interact on a regular basis.

The study published by researchers from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) also noted that common household disinfectants like soap and handwash were effective in killing the virus.

"SARS-CoV-2 can be highly stable in a favourable environment, but it is also susceptible to standard disinfection methods," said the researchers, including Leo Poon Litman and Malik Peiris, both from HKU’s School of Public Health.

Coronavirus can survive for days on these surfaces

One of the biggest concerns with Coronavirus is its infection rate. New studies have emerged that decode why the virus is so highly infectious.

According to researchers from HKU, the Coronavirus can survive for days on various household items including stainless steel, glass, plastic items and tissue paper. The virus was tested at room temperatures.

On tissue paper, the Coronavirus survived for less than three hours, while on wood and cloth, it lasted for a day.

On glass and bank notes, it managed to survive for three days, before finally disappearing on the fourth day. On commonly used household items like stainless steel and plastic, it survived for four to seven days.

Of most concern is the fact that the Coronavirus survived on face masks for a week. With authorities recommending the use of face masks, it becomes extremely important that people follow the usage guidelines properly.

Stressing on this, the researchers said, “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.”

‘Wash your hands often and try not to touch your face’

Reiterating the need to maintain good hygiene to protect yourself from Coronavirus, the researchers said, “If you want to protect yourself just maintain good hygiene, wash your hands often and try not to touch your face, your mouth or nose without cleaning first.”

Apart from this, it is also suggested that you keep a pair of clothes, cash and a bag separate for when you have to go out of your house. When you return home, change back to your regular clothes. Doing so should help reduce the risk of carrying the Coronavirus from outside.

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