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The most current information available is that veterinary coronaviruses can stay alive on inanimate objects in ideal conditions (cold and humid) for as long as 28 days. Human coronaviruses can go as long as 9.
Although the studies the authors summarize in this review did not investigate COVID-19, they believe that the results are also likely to be relevant to this latest coronavirus. All the human coronaviruses that the research had investigated seem to be susceptible to the same chemical agents.
Scientists from the Greifswald University Hospital and Ruhr-UniversitƤt Bochum, both in Germany, recently compiled information from 22 studies on coronaviruses. Their work helps us understand how long coronaviruses survive on surfaces, and how people may be able to destroy them.
The authors initially compiled the information for inclusion in an upcoming textbook; but ā¦ āunder the circumstances, the best approach was to publish these verified scientific facts in advance, in order to make all information available at a glance.ā
If my guest came down with COVID-19, my first concern would be protection of myself, my family, and other guests. Then I would call Air and ask for direction. I would remind them that this is a listing, not a medical facility. And that they should be removed immediately.
This gives rise to the need for travel insurance - more than ever.
āBut how long can the new coronavirus linger on surfaces, anyway? The short answer is, we donāt know. A new analysis found that the virus can remain viable in the air for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel up to 72 hours.ā
This is in a lab. Conditions outside the lab are highly variable so the results are not as predictable. The good news is on the CDC website, they state likelihood of infection related to surface contact is unlikely. The greatest risk is droplets. Stay 6 feet away from strangers (especially if they are coughing & sneezing)!!!
Itās an interesting question.
But if COVID-19 has an incubation period of Ā±14 days, then unless the guest has been there for a decent chunk of time, they canāt possibly have got it from your space ā¦ so there canāt surely be any liability?
If they are confirmed, then (unless theyāre hospitalised) they canāt really travel under most circumstances - so I guess the compassionate and human response is to make an arrangement about the rate, and set them up for online shopping for the durationā¦
Iām wondering about some German guests who are on their way here (Iām in Cape Town) by road from Botswana. If they get through the border (which is unlikely) and get here, when will they be allowed home?
These are very confusing times.
