COVID-19 can live on some surfaces up to 72 hours, study says

article

(Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - COVID-19 can live on some surfaces for up to 72 hours, especially hard, nonporous ones like metal and hard plastic, according to a recent study.

The study showed that the virus survived the longest on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel, but it can also live on cardboard for up to 24 hours.

Get breaking news alerts in the FOX 11 News app. Download for iOS or Android.

This is the first study by scientists at a federal laboratory that tested the specific strain of the coronavirus causing the current pandemic — SARS-CoV-2.

What is coronavirus?

From how it spreads to where it originated, here's a look at everything you need to know about the deadly contagion.

When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus can contaminate surfaces. In addition to washing your hands and avoiding touching your face, health officials recommend keeping hard “high-touch” surfaces clean and disinfected.

For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, click here.

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.