More people are staying indoors to avoid contact with people potentially infected by Covid-19. But in light of a 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 Princess Cruise ship 17 days after its passengers had left, what are the risks of handling packages, groceries and what scientists call “high-touch” surfaces?

Q: How long Virus survive on surface?

1.  Metal : 5 Days

    examples) Doorknobs, Jewelry, Silverware

2.  Glass : Up to 5 Days

    examples) Drinking glasses, Mirrors, Windows

3.  Ceramics : 5 Days

    examples) Dishes, Pottery, Mugs

4.  Paper : Up to 5 Days

    examples) Newspaper, Magazines

5.  Wood : 4 Days

    examples) Furniture, Decking

6.  Plastics : 2-3 Days

    examples) Milk bottles, Bus seats, Elevator buttons

7.  Stainless Steel : 2-3 Days

    examples) Refrigerators, Pots/pans, Sinks, Water bottles

8.  Aluminum : 2-8 Hours

    examples) Soda cans, Tinfoil, Water bottles

9.  Copper : 4 Hours

    examples) Pennies, Teakettles, Cookware

10.  Food/Water: Doesn't seem to spread throughout food, and has not been found in water.

Q: Is there a risk of being infected by groceries and packages that we have delivered?

It’s a low risk, but it’s possible that if someone is delivering a package to your house and they are sick, that may be a route for transmission. I would recommend that any time something new comes into your household, be conscious of washing your hands after handling it.

(Dr Julia Marcus, infectious disease epidemiologist and professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School)

Q: How many people are being contaminated via surfaces as opposed to airborne particles or direct contact with an infected person?

As far as we know right now, people are much more likely to be infected by close contact with an infected person than by touching a contaminated surface. That said, it’s still important to be conscious of what we’re touching, especially high-touch surfaces, and be careful about cleaning our hands after touching things. For example, public transit or grocery stores and places where there tend to be a lot of people.

(Dr Julia Marcus, infectious disease epidemiologist and professor in the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School)

Q: How to clean surfaces?

It’s good to routinely clean any high-touch surfaces, like door handles and toilets. Regular household cleaners are effective, including bleach solutions and alcohol solutions of at least 70% alcohol