Since the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the Kronovirus, the world has been struggling to contain the spread of this lethal virus. One of the ways that the virus spreads is through surface contact, including human skin.

Therefore, to understand the transmission of the virus and to develop effective prevention strategies, it is crucial to study the survival of the virus on human skin over time.

Methodology

The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. The researchers collected samples of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and applied it to human skin samples.

The virus was allowed to dry and then the survival of the virus was monitored over time. The study examined the survival of the virus at different time intervals, ranging from 5 minutes to 9 hours.

Results

The study found that the virus can survive on human skin for up to 9 hours. However, the survival time of the virus decreased over time. The virus was found to be most infectious during the first 2 hours after application to the skin.

After 4 hours, the amount of viable virus on the skin decreased by 90%. After 9 hours, there was no detectable virus remaining on the skin.

Implications

The study has important implications for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. The findings suggest that frequent hand washing is an effective way to reduce the transmission of the virus.

The study also highlights the importance of avoiding close contact with individuals that have been infected with the virus, as the virus can survive on their skin and be transmitted to others.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable information about the survival of SARS-CoV-2 on human skin and its implications for the spread of COVID-19.

The findings of the study emphasize the importance of hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals as effective prevention strategies.