Figure: Our COVID-19 research includes SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. We’re conducting the work within our highly secure Biosecurity Level 4 laboratories at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization researchers studied the survival rates of infectious SARS-CoV-2 and found that the virus can survive 28 days on surfaces. The results are published in Virology Journal.

The team monitored the survival rates of infectious SARS-CoV-2, dried in an artificial mucous solution, on six common surfaces (stainless steel, glass, vinyl, paper and polymer banknotes, and cotton cloth) and at three different temperatures, 20^oC, 30^oC, and 40^oC, with the relative humidity at 50%. A droplet of fluid with the virus was dried on multiple small test surfaces and left for up to 28 days.

The study showed the following results:

• - At 20°C, the virus was tremendously vigorous. Infectious material was still present even after 28 days on smooth surfaces such as stainless steel, glass, vinyl, and banknotes.
•  - The length of time the infectious virus was able to survive on the porous material (cotton cloth) was much shorter.
• - The virus was inactivated much faster in higher temperatures, especially at 40^oC.
• - The infectious dose of SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be ~300 particles (more studies needed to conclude). The sample used in the study does not have enough viable virus to infect a person.

Read more from CSIRO and Virology Journal.