These days the novel coronavirus is dominating the headlines. On Wednesday, President Trump announced a European travel ban, schools and universities across the country announced more closures, Tom Hanks announced he and his wife Rita Wilson have tested positive, and the NBA announced the season was suspended.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) released the following guidelines for how to protect yourself from the COVID-19.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them

How long can coronavirus live on everyday surfaces?

Previous coronavirus strains lived up to nine days at room temperature. New research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) looked at how long coronavirus can live on different materials. According to Business Insider, the NIH research suggests this virus “can live up to four hours on copper, up to a day on cardboard, and up to three days on plastic and stainless steel.”

The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, suggests the coronavirus can survive in the air for up to three hours.

See Also: Coronavirus anxiety: 7 science-based strategies to cope

•March 11, 2020