NAC IP & C Considerations: Appendix A COVID
Infectious Organism: SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus
Mechanism of Spread: Droplets, contaminated surfaces or hands
Surface Viability:
| Material | Temperature | Persistence |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | Not specified (presumed room temp) | None detected at 24 hours1 |
| Glass | 22oC | None detected at 4 days1,2 |
| Plastic | 22oC | None detected at 7 days2 |
| Stainless Steel | 22oC | None detected at 7 days2 |
Refrigerator: Highly stable at 4oC, with persistence of detectable virus at 14 days2
The evidence as it pertains to SARS-CoV-2 survival and inactivation continues to evolve. A recently published literature review detailing the persistence of human and veterinary coronaviruses (other then SARS-CoV-2) on inanimate surfaces, as well as inactivation strategies with biocidal agents used for chemical disinfection provides valuable information about this virus family.3
References
1 van Doremalen N, Bushmaker T, Morris DH et al. Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. N Engl J Med. Published online March 17, 2020. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2004973 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973
2 Chin AWH, Chu JTS, Perera MRA, et al. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental conditions. Lancet Infect Dis. Published online 2 April 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30003-3
3 Kampf G, Todt D, Pfaender S, et al. Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents. J Hosp Infect. Published online 6 February 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.01.022