How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Different Surfaces?

How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Different Surfaces?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen, many people are concerned about the disease and how to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. One of the main questions that people are asking health experts is how long does the Coronavirus last on different surfaces?  This is following the recent report from the US’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that said RNA from the virus that causes Covid-19 was found in the Diamond Princess ship 17 days after its passengers had left.

Can the Virus Last Up To 17 Days on Surfaces?

Although the report does prove that evidence of the virus was still there even in the cabins that had not been cleaned, this only means that the virus could still have been detected, not necessarily that coming into contact with the surfaces could actually infect anyone.  Other components of the virus may have been needed to spread the disease.

How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Different Surfaces?

The New England Journal of Medicine have published a study that reports how long the virus can remain stable on different kinds of surfaces, that was tested within a controlled laboratory setting. The study concluded that it was still detectable on copper for up to four hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and steel for up to 72 hours.

But it’s important to note that the amount of virus decreased rapidly over time on each of those surfaces. Therefore, the risk of infection from touching them would probably decrease over time as well.

Is there a risk of Being Infected by Groceries and Packages that we have Delivered?

It is very low risk that you would become infected by groceries and packages that you get delivered. However, as the virus lasts up to 24 hours on cardboard, we recommend that you empty any of the contents of your shop that have come in cardboard boxes and dispose of the boxes immediately, then wash your hands for 20 seconds.

How to Prevent Getting the Coronavirus from Touching Surfaces?

Firstly, ensure that you continue to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and don’t touch your face! It is also important to ensure you clean regularly touched surfaces such as door handles, toilets and light switches with antibacterial cleaning products that contain at least 70% alcohol.  This is particularly important if anyone within your household begins to show symptoms of Covid-19.

Where do I get Prescriptions during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

If you are self-isolating and unable to visit your local pharmacy due to the coronavirus, there are free online services such as RXLive that deliver your prescriptions and any other medication required completely free of charge.

RXLive are like any other pharmacy, however, they offer a free online (or app) prescription delivery service that is completely free in order to alleviate some of the stress on local pharmacies and the NHS,  as services such as RXLive are encouraging more people to stay indoors and stop the spread of the virus.

How Does Online Prescription Ordering Work?

To get your prescription delivered completely free, all you have to do is sign-up to the service here – it takes less than 1 minute! Once you have been approved as an RXLive patient, you can use the online ordering platform to order your prescription with just a few clicks.  Then, you can sit back and relax, our dedicated pharmacy team will prepare your order and have your medication sent out within 48 hours. RXLive also have dedicated pharmacists ready to chat at all times.

Please note, RXLive is growing exceptionally fast as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  We are dispensing and dispatching medicine, but our team is very busy so please bear with us. It may take up to 48 hours longer for your medicine to arrive. Please only contact us if your query is urgent during this time. Due to some stock shortages, we are shipping orders even if an item is missing, you will get an owing note and receive any items out of stock once it arrives.