Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

March 11, 2020

Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to SARS-CoV-1

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  • There is new evidence indicating plausible fomite and aerosol transmission of COVID-19. Doremalen et al report that the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment is similar to SARS-CoV-1. The agent can be detected in the aerosols up to 3 hours post aerosolization, up to 2 hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard and up to 2-3 days on plastic (polypropylene) and stainless steel. These results can inform environmental sanitation practices in public spaces and healthcare facilities.  

Doremalen et al. (Mar 10, 2020). Aerosol and surface stability of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2) compared to SARS-CoV-1.  Pre-print downloaded Mar 11 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.09.20033217