VIRUS SURVIVAL

Researchers at the CSIRO have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can survive for up to 28 days on common surfaces. The research, undertaken at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong also found that SARS-CoV-2 survived longer at lower temperatures; tended to survive longer on non-porous or smooth

surfaces such as glass, stainless steel and vinyl, compared with porous complex surfaces such as cotton; and survived longer on paper banknotes than plastic banknotes. “Establishing how long the virus really remains viable on surfaces enables us to more accurately predict and mitigate its spread, and do a better job of protecting our people,” says CSIRO chief executive Dr Larry Marshall.