Understanding Coronavirus Longevity: How Long It Survives on Surfaces and in the Air

Study on SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 Stability

Research Overview

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the duration that the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, remains viable on surfaces and in aerosols. This research also compared these findings with the earlier SARS virus, known as SARS-CoV-1, which caused an epidemic in 2003 affecting 26 countries.

Methodology

Utilizing a Bayesian regression model, researchers analyzed the stability of both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 across various surface types, including plastic, stainless steel, copper, and cardboard, as well as in aerosol form.

Key Findings

The study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can remain stable in aerosols for up to three hours. On plastic and stainless steel surfaces, it demonstrated greater stability, lasting up to 72 hours. In contrast, SARS-CoV-1 displayed similar stability, persisting for up to 72 hours on plastic, followed by stainless steel. Notably, no SARS-CoV-2 was detected after 24 hours on cardboard or four hours on copper surfaces.

Comparative Analysis

Overall, the stability of both viruses on surfaces and in the air was found to be comparable. Researchers indicated that the differences observed in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, as opposed to the 2003 SARS outbreak, may stem from various other factors, including the asymptomatic transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Citation

Dr. van Doremalen, Mr. Bushmaker, and Mr. Morris (2020). Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1. New England Journal of Medicine, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2004973. Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay.