Covid-19 Contamination on Bank Notes and Smartphone Screens
As per recent medical findings, it has been unveiled that a humidity of 20°C is highly suitable for Covid-19 particles and can make them last for up to 28 days. According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s trusted medical research institution, your cash, smartphone screens, or objects made of stainless steel may all contain Corona particles.
Is it a Matter of Concern? How Do You Protect Yourself?
As stated by medical professionals, the masses should properly follow the hygiene protocols preventing the spread of Covid-19, instead of fretting unnaturally. As per the words of Consultant- Pulmonology, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj, Delhi, Richa Sareen, the medical finding may be inaccurate.
The experiment was carried out under controlled temperature (20°C) and humidity, which is unlikely to be constant in real life. According to IANS, she said, ‘The temperature and humidity under which the Corona particles were tested do not mimic the real temperature fluctuations. Previous findings related to this issue concluded that these lethal particles could live for 2–3 days on the surface of notes, and for almost a week on stainless-steel and glass tops. This research holds more validity’.
One essential reminder by Sareen was that the spread of Covid-19 is not done by physical objects. ‘The spread is the consequence of human touch, cough/sneeze/contaminated air particles containing Corona germs and aerosols’.
Evaluation of the Experiment
Findings by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Geelong point towards the fact that cold environments and even surfaces are suitable for keeping SARS-CoV-2 active. Uneven materials, namely cotton may not be suitable for their survival.
Senior consultant for internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Dr. Suranjeet Chatterjee, as per IANS, declared that Coronavirus is spread due to getting close to a person who is carrying the germs within him, or is transferring them by coughing, sneezing, conversing loudly or singing, or simply by respiring. ‘Personally meeting and getting close to a Corona bearing being is the main source of transmission of the virus. The research was done using a set of scientific equipment and machines, which does not resemble the actual life scenario — getting infected by direct human touch.’
Chatterjee added, ‘The latest finding was likely to create greater tension and fear in the hearts of the general public, despite being not that big of an issue regarding the germ transmission.’ Physical cash is touched by numerous people and may carry various pathogens. Thus, it is recommended to keep your hands clean by instantly rinsing them with soap and water post touching notes. Also, the contact between your hands and face after touching contaminated notes is to be prevented.
Lastly, Chatterjee mentions to ‘cover your faces, keep your hands clean and sneeze and cough by covering your mouth and opt for digital money transaction methods, should you want to prevent the invasion of Corona particles in your body.’
On the other hand, based on the findings of the Australian medical organization, ‘Corona particles are tough’, just like Influenza A, which remained active for about 17 days on various objects.
The temperature and the environment are keys to ensuring the active state or development of a harmful pathogen, inputted The Head and Senior Consultant, Pathologist, Action Cancer Hospital, Dr. Naveen Aggarwal. ‘The cold season causing a drop in temperature provides a suitable environment for the Corona particles to remain active, mostly on paper. This could cause an exponential transmission in India. So to prevent it, going digital and using as less paper as possible are the only ways to stop the spread.’, suggested Aggarwal.
Originally published at https://biotrap.co on October 15, 2020.
