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Study: Virus That Causes COVID-19 Can Survive for Up to a Month on Common
Surfaces

VOA News

   Scientists in Australia have discovered that the coronavirus that
   causes COVID-19 can survive on solid common surfaces for as long as 28
   days.

   In a study published Monday inVirology Journal, researchers at CSIRO
   (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization),
   Australia's national science agency, found the SARS-COV-2 virus was
   "extremely robust," surviving on smooth surfaces at 20 degrees Celsius,
   compared to the flu virus, which lasts for 17 days in the same
   circumstances. The scientists at CSIRO also found the SARS-COV-2 virus
   stopped being infectious after about 24 hours at 40 degrees Celsius.

   The scientists at CSIRO found the novel coronavirus can survive on such
   common surfaces as paper banknotes, glass and stainless steel.

   In Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to unveil a new
   coronavirus alert system for the country during a speech in Parliament
   Monday. Instead of a blanket nationwide lockdown, the government's new
   system designates areas as medium, high and very high risk. Under the
   first tier, areas with relatively low infection rates will have limited
   restrictions on restaurants and bars, with the restrictions gradually
   tightening up to the third tier, when restaurants and bars will be
   forced to close.

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