How Can You Contract COVID-19 From Surfaces?
Since the start of the pandemic, many have worried about how COVID-19 spreads. While the main mode of transmission is through the air, it’s possible to get infected from contaminated surfaces. Let’s see how this happens and what you can do to stay safe.
How Surface Transmission Happens
COVID-19 can survive on surfaces like door handles, tables, or smartphones. If someone who’s infected coughs or sneezes, droplets can land on these objects. When you touch these surfaces and then touch your face, you could become infected.
How Long Does COVID-19 Live on Surfaces?
- Plastic and stainless steel: up to 3 days
- Cardboard: up to 24 hours
- Copper: about 4 hours
These times may vary depending on temperature and humidity.
How to Reduce the Risk
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol if soap isn’t available
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
Real-Life Example
James, a 34-year-old office worker, shared: “At first, I was paranoid about every surface. Now, I carry sanitiser everywhere and clean my phone daily. It’s become part of my routine.”
FAQs
- Is touching surfaces the main way to get COVID-19? No, person-to-person contact and droplets in the air are the main ways. But surfaces can still pose a risk.
- Do I need to disinfect groceries? It’s not a main risk, but washing hands after handling groceries helps.
Conclusion
While surface transmission isn’t the biggest risk, being mindful about hand hygiene and cleaning common areas helps keep you and others safe.
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Stay vigilant, wash your hands, and help stop the spread of COVID-19.