Coronavirus can survive in air for 3 hrs

The virus can live on plastic and steel surfaces up to 3 days, scientists reveal

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Washington, March 14: The killer coronavirus rapidly spreading around the world can survive in the air for three hours, scientists have found.

US government researchers, who worked with other experts, also found the deadly infection can live on surfaces for up to three days.

Tests showed the virus can survive on copper for four hours, cardboard for an entire day and up to 72 hours on plastic and steel.

The study comes after the World Health Organization finally declared the escalating global outbreak as a pandemic.

Almost 5,000 patients across the world have died and almost 130,000 people have been infected with COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

Workers on New York City’s underground system disinfect frequently used surfaces in Fulton

Center, such as turnstiles, MetroCard vending machines and handrails

New York subway staff disinfect a train station in an effort to contain the

killer coronavirus

Fears the virus, called SARS-CoV-2, can survive on surfaces have existed since the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, last their face.

Professor Chris Whitty said the coronavirus can stay contagious on hard metal or plastic surfaces like door handles or handrails for as long as three days.

Some scientists have even suggested the virus may be more likely to spread on the hands than it is through the air through coughs, sneezes and breathing.

Officials around the world have already launched hard-hitting campaigns urging the public to wash their hands to stop the coronavirus.

For the study researchers used a nebulizer device to put samples of it into the air responding to the infection.

It has recognised the virus as a hostile invader and signals to the rest of the body something is wrong by releasing chemicals called cytokines.