How Long Does Coronavirus Last on Surfaces?

This study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 can survive up to 72 hours on surfaces, particularly stainless steel and plastics (1,2). It is readily susceptible to household cleaners such as soap, bleach, alcohol-based hand sanitisers and sprays (1).

(1) ABC News. 2020. “How Long Coronavirus Lasts on Surfaces,” March 20, 2020. https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-03-20/how-long-does-coronavirus-last-on-surfaces/12074330.

(2) Doremalen, Neeltje van, Trenton Bushmaker, Dylan H. Morris, Myndi G. Holbrook, Amandine Gamble, Brandi N. Williamson, Azaibi Tamin, et al. 2020. “Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1.” The New England Journal of Medicine, March. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2004973.