Covid-19 is like that girl you’re getting to know when you first started dating.

Every day, or at least, from time to time, you’ll discover something new about it.

Unfortunately, this time, it’s not good news.

New Study Shows Coronavirus Might Remain Infectious on Surfaces for 4 Weeks

According to a new study from Australia’s top biosecurity laboratory, the SARS-CoV-2 might remain on surfaces longer than anyone could’ve imagined.

The coronavirus can remain on smooth surfaces for up to 28 days at room temperature (20 degrees celsius).

And by smooth surfaces, they mean plastic banknotes, glass on mobile phone screens, and grab handles and rails.

The study has far-reaching consequences, especially when you think of how many times a single note can change hands within a week.

That and how many people use a self-checkout machine or touchscreen ATM.

The Study

Scientists dried the coronavirus in artificial mucus on different surfaces.

To make it as similar to real life as possible, they referenced samples from infected patients for the concentration level of the artificial mucus.

Then, the virus is re-isolated for over a month.

Here are the findings:

• Coronavirus can survive for up to 28 days on smooth surfaces like glass and plastic/paper banknotes
• Time reduces as temperature increases
• On surfaces above 40 degrees celsius, the coronavirus stopped being infectious after 24 hours
• The coronavirus survives longer on non-porous surfaces (smooth) than porous ones (for example, a cloth like cotton).

The entire study was conducted in the dark as it was found that sunlight quickly deactivates the coronavirus.

Should You Be Worried?

Whelp, the above are all bad news. But are there any good ones?

There is.

For one, just because a virus is on a surface doesn’t mean it’s infectious.

Currently, scientists are trying to figure out exactly how much virus is needed in order to infect another person who touched the same surface.

For another, Singapore coats as many of its high-contact areas with a self-disinfecting coating that protects against Covid-19 transmission. The coating is said to last for six months.

This includes our public transport, as well as the ATMs and buttons in the HDB and office lifts.

Of course, these are just measures and the best way to protect ourselves is to wash your hands with soap properly.

If that can’t be done, at least carry around a bottle of hand sanitiser with high alcohol content.