November 10, 2020

Modeling the Stability of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on Skin, Currency, and Clothing

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

Keywords (Tags): transmission

Harbourt et al. exposed SARS-CoV-2 to human skin, paper currency, and clothing in a lab setting under various temperatures and found that the virus was more stable in colder conditions. At 22^oC, the virus was stable on human skin, a $1 bill, and on clothing, for at least 96 hours, 8 hours, and 4 hours, respectively. At lower temperature (4^oC) the duration of viral stability increased to up to 14 days, at least 96 hours, and at least 96 hours, respectively.

Harbourt et al. (Nov 9, 2020). Modeling the Stability of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on Skin, Currency, and Clothing. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008831