Warning: New research has identified the corona virus to remain on the mask for more than a week

New research shows that the time the virus remains on the face of the mask is much longer than we thought. Therefore, all need to make it a habit not to touch the front of the mask after use, and wash their hands often.

A new study by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) said that the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus that caused the Covid-19 pandemic could stay on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to four days. But more importantly, with the surface of the mask, it takes up to a week.

Specifically, the study was published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet on April 2, with the aim of adding to the SARS-CoV-2 stability study, and clarifying what can be done. to prevent the virus from spreading.

"SARS-CoV-2 has great stability in favorable environments. However, it is also susceptible to basic disinfection measures," - quoted Lee Poon Lit-man, head of the research department. studied at the University of Hong Kong, and Malik Peiris - an infectious disease specialist. Lit-man says that common household disinfectants - like bleach - can effectively kill the virus.

Warning: New research has identified the corona virus to remain on the mask for more than a week Picture 1

To get the results, the researchers tested how long the virus could survive on different surfaces for long periods of time at room temperature. The results showed that the retention time of virus was less than 3 hours for all kinds of paper (both paper and printing paper). Whereas with wood and fabric (cotton), the virus disappears after 1 day.

Glass and banknotes still showed traces of the virus after 2 days, but also completely disappeared on the 4th day. Stainless steel and plastic have a time range from 4 to 7 days.

The most surprising thing is the mask. Experts said they were able to identify the virus on the outer layer of the mask after seven days.

"This is exactly why if you wear a medical mask, you must remember to never touch the outside," - Peiris said. "Because you can get your hands on viruses, and if you touch your eyes, you'll get yourself infected."

However, experts also said that the virus density on the entire surface used in the experiment decreased at a fairly fast rate over time. Moreover, this result does not mean that the "daily risk of infection" increases, because the virus is detected by laboratory tools - that is, the condition is quite thorough and strict, not normal. .

Earlier, a study published in Nature by the American Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, published in Nature, also concluded that corona virus can survive on surfaces for days. According to this study, the virus can hang on plastic and steel for 72 hours, but can only hang on copper for 4 hours, and with carton cover for 24 hours.

Research results from the University of Hong Kong also add the latest information to the story: how people should be cautious when buying external items in the event of a pandemic.

According to Lee Poon Lit-man, the most important thing is to wash your hands."If you want to protect yourself, wash your hands often and limit hand touch eyes, nose, mouth before washing, " - he said.

"There are many ways to reduce virus density. But the most important thing is to wash your hands."