The novel coronavirus can live on different surfaces, sometimes for several hours, after an infected person coughs or sneezes on them. Aside from person-to-person transmission, the virus can also be spread indirectly, according to the World Health Organization. An infected person can transfer the virus by coughing or sneezing on a surface, or touching their face and then touching a surface. If someone else were to touch the same surface and then their own eyes, mouth or nose, for instance, they could become infected.

Wash Your Hands, Don’t Touch Your Face

COMMON SURFACES

On Cardboard, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 had a lifespan of about 24 hours; on a Copper surface the novel coronavirus was able to live for up to four hours. Copper is known to be a natural antimicrobial with disinfecting properties. on Plastic the novel coronavirus was discovered; on a Stainless steel surface  up to 72 hours after being applied.  The strain of the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 was detected up to 72 hours after being applied to. According to the WHO, studies suggest the novel coronavirus cannot be transmitted by air. The respiratory droplets responsible for spreading the virus are too heavy to stay suspended in the air, instead falling onto the floor and nearby objects and surfaces right away. You can, however, become infected if you stand less than two metres away from someone with the virus who has coughed or sneezed.

FOOD – According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, people are not likely to contract COVID-19 through food. The agency says there’s no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source of transmission and as of now, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 being transmitted through food. The CDC adds that the risk of spreading coronavirus through food products is low, given that items are usually shipped over a period of days or weeks at room temperature, or refrigerated if necessary.

PACKAGES – While the PHAC warns that products shipped within or from outside Canada could be contaminated, their risk of spreading COVID-19 remains low. According to the agency, there is no risk of any type of coronavirus entering Canada through parcels or packages. The CDC also claims the U.S. has not seen any cases of COVID-19 associated with imported goods.