COVID-19 can live on some surfaces up to 72 hours, study says

COVID-19 can live on some surfaces for up to 72 hours, especially hard, nonporous ones like metal and hard plastic, according to a recent study

The study showed that the virus survived the longest on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel, but it can also live on cardboard for up to 24 hours. 

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This is the first study by scientists at a federal laboratory that tested the specific strain of the coronavirus causing the current pandemic — SARS-CoV-2.

When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus can contaminate surfaces. In addition to washing your hands and avoiding touching your face, health officials recommend keeping hard “high-touch” surfaces clean and disinfected.

For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click here.

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