SARS-CoV-2 can survive on banknotes, glass for up to 28 days: Researchers

Team Udayavani, Oct 12, 2020, 7:09 PM IST

Researchers claim that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can survive on banknotes, glass and stainless steel for up to 28 days

Researchers from Australia’s national science agency CSIRO said on Monday that “It really reinforces the importance of washing hands and sanitising where possible and certainly wiping down surfaces that may be in contact with the virus,”

As reported by BBC, Previous laboratory tests have found that SARS-Cov-2 can survive for two to three days on bank notes and glass, and up to six days on plastic and stainless steel, although results vary.

However, the research from Australian agency CSIRO found the virus was “extremely robust,” surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on mobile phone screens and both plastic and paper banknotes, when kept at 20C (68F), which is about room temperature, and in the dark.