The coronavirus is able to survive on a smartphone screen for a period of 28 days, a new study shows. The SARS-COV-2 virus can indeed cling to glass or steel surfaces for nearly a month. To stem the spread of Covid-19, we therefore advise you to regularly clean the touch screen of your phone.
As the coronavirus epidemic continues to spread around the world, researchers are trying to better understand how the virus works. If the 2003 SARS-CoV, another version of the current coronavirus, lasted no more than 96 hours on a smartphone screen, it turns out that the Covid-19 is able to survive for 28 days on glass, from stainless steel and paper and polymer banknotes, finds a study published in Virology Journal.
To survive, however, the coronavirus must take advantage of specific conditions: an average ambient temperature of 20 ° C and an air humidity of 50%.
During these 28 days, many people can come into contact with the virus. This is especially true if the particles responsible for the Covid are found on banknotes. To avoid contagions, the authorities advise to favor contactless card payments. As expected, it is therefore very possible to contract Covid-19 even if you have scrupulously respected the safety distances.
Regularly clean your smartphone's touchscreen to prevent infection with Coronavirus
“Touchscreen devices can therefore be a potential source of transmission, and should be regularly disinfected, especially in environments with multiple users,” the researchers advise. The main risk is to carry the coronavirus from the screen to our face by making a phone call for example. To be on the safe side, first opt for a hands-free kit
In order to protect yourself, we also encourage you to clean your smartphone screen on a regular basis. To avoid damaging the tile coating, use a microfiber cloth and an alcohol-free solution. In the same vein, do not hesitate to clean your keyboard or your mouse more regularly than usual.