Coronavirus may stay for weeks on bank notes and touchscreens

Scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness showed SARS-CoV-2 is ‘extremely robust’, surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on mobile phone screens and plastic banknotes at room temperature, or 20°C (68°F). — 123rf.com

The new coronavirus may remain infectious for weeks on banknotes, glass and other common surfaces, according to research by Australia’s top biosecurity laboratory that highlights risks from paper currency, touchscreen devices and grab handles and rails.

Scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness showed SARS-CoV-2 is “extremely robust”, surviving for 28 days on smooth surfaces such as glass found on mobile phone screens and plastic banknotes at room temperature, or 20°C (68°F). That compares with 17 days survival for the flu virus.