A cigarette lighter caused 4 cases of COVID-19. How?
Picture this situation: It’s a normal workplace. In the smoking area a cigarette lighter is left in the middle of the table for anyone to use. And several people do.
This simple act of touching a lighter caused four Melbourne people to catch coronavirus COVID-19 in late June.
These people didn’t break any social distancing rules – they weren’t even in the area at the same time. But just touching the lighter transferred the virus to multiple people.
This example shows how critical it is to wash our hands and disinfect surfaces to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Based on recent studies, here’s how long this virus survives on different types of surfaces:
Plastics: 3 – 7 days
Including:
- Food packaging
- Credit cards
- Plastic currency
- Water bottles and milk containers
- Remote controls and video game controllers
- Light switches
- Computer keyboard and mouse
- Toys
Stainless Steel and Other Metals: 3 – 7 days
Examples:
- Door handles
- Cutlery
- Handrails
- ATM buttons
- Jewellery
- Coins
Paper: up to 4 days
Items like:
- Newspaper
- Forms and newsletters
- Paper towels
- Tissues
Glass: up to 4 days
Including:
- Windows
- Drinking glasses and water bottles
- Mirrors
- Screens of mobile phones, ipads, computers
Fabrics: up to 2 days
Including:
- Massage table linen
- Curtains
- Carpets
- Clothes
Cardboard: 24 hours
Examples include:
- Boxes
- Manila folders
Wood: up to 2 days
Items such as:
- Tables
- Furniture
- Shelving
So, how long does the COVID-19 virus survive on different surfaces?
Answer: Up to 7 days!
What does this mean?
Firstly, it means we need to wash our hands – often. Ensure you wash your hands between clients and after handling items touched by clients and others.
Secondly, as business owners, we need to be mindful about how our businesses could spread COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria between clients and staff. Generally this will mean keeping only minimal, essential equipment in our client areas, and disinfecting surfaces between clients.
Have a specific question about managing COVID-19 in your business? Reach out to us today – email safetytransformations@gmail.com.
You may also like to download our 3 Simple Hygiene Tips to Protect You, Your Staff and Your Clients From COVID-19.