The Corona Virus

“What is like a shepherd’s pie, wrapped in fat with protein in the middle?”

The new Coronavirus virus typically spreads via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets carry viral particles and can land on someone else’s nose, eyes, or mouth or get inhaled. But a person could potentially get the Coronavirus if they touch a surface or object that has viral particles on it, and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes,. The lifespan of the virus on a given surface depends on many factors including the surrounding temperature, humidity, and type of surface.

A study published April 2 in the journal “The Lancet Microbe” revealed how long the Covid-19 virus lasts on various common surfaces. The authors found that the virus lasted longest -seven days- on the outer layer of surgical masks. A finding that reinforces the protocol that if you are wearing a N95 mask in public, it should be disinfected after each usage. Directions were given in the second blog

The researchers behind this new study tested the virus’s lifespan in a 71 degree F room at 65% relative humidity. After 3 hours, the virus had disappeared from printing and tissue paper. It took 2 days for it to leave wood and cloth fabric. After 4 days, it was longer detectable on glass or paper money. It lasted the longest, seven days, on stainless steel and plastic. Striking, the authors wrote, the Coronavirus was still present on the outward side of a surgical mask on day 7 of the investigation. That is the longest duration of all the materials they tested.

Many implications to this study are highly significant. For instance, one aspect is the need to keep counter tops and sinks as sanitized as possible. Implications about bringing groceries into your home can be a real concern. Consider leaving items that won’t deteriorate in the trunk of your vehicle for a suitable length of time. Packaged perishables can be lightly washed with soap and water , disinfecting wipes. Leafy vegetables should be washed thoroughly and consider cooking them.

The answer to the shepherd’s pie question is at the top of the page.

Stay safe, Joe