Concerns: First Surface, Then Airborne, Now Both?
In March 2020, studies were coming out almost daily talking about SARS-CoV-2 and it’s ability to survive on surfaces. The scientist call these surface contaminants, fomites. We heard reports of hours, days, even weeks in some cases. And depending on your source, it depended on the surface type (coronavirus lasts longer on plastic or countertops or sofas, but only last hours on metal or cardboard or glass) and the flavor of the week.
But recently, and rightfully so, the focus has been on the airborne transmission of SARS-C0V-2 as one of the primary means of transmission. Social distancing and mask wearing seem to be effective in reducing transmission, infection and diagnoses of COVID-19.
However, in recent weeks, the CDC has released a paper titled “Prolonged Infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in Fomites“. The findings from the study reveal the following:
we showed that a moderate protein concentration in droplets markedly increased the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that a protein-rich medium like airway secretions could protect the virus when it is expelled and may enhance its persistence and transmission by contaminated fomites. Accordingly, it is plausible that fomites infected with SARS-CoV-2 play a key role in the indirect transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This finding supports surface cleaning as a necessary action that should be enforced and repeated because it may play a key role in halting SARS-CoV-2 transmission and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Is Disinfection Right for Me?
In summary:
- Saliva can protect SARS-CoV-2, and in turn, allow it to persist on surfaces for longer than it would otherwise, and
- Surface disinfection is an effective method for reducing that transmission vector.
Therefore, if your office or home has been impacted by coronavirus or a COVID-19 infection, disinfection services, such as those provided by Disinfect Charleston are a recommended and effective means of reducing the potential for further spread and transmission of the virus.
