Corona virus in summer: researchers discover a worrying 30 degree effect

• 9,100,090 coronavirus infections have been reported worldwide since early 2020. (As of June 23, 2020)
• To reduce your own risk of infection, you should take precautions.
• Researchers are now warning of an underestimated danger.

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Update from June 12, 2020: Study warns: SARS-CoV-2 survives on surfaces – despite higher temperatures

These results of a German research group from Bochum are unsettling: Published laboratory results show that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 * on surfaces too remains infectious for a long time at higher outside temperatures. This surprised the researchers, who expected the viruses to be killed more quickly as the temperature rose – instead, they seem to be even more durable.

As the Ärzteblatt reports, the team led by Stephanie Pfänder from the Ruhr University Bochum how long the viruses remain contagious on surfaces. The researchers examined the viruses on dry surfaces at the surface temperature of normal room air, at refrigerator temperature (4 ° C) and at 30 ° C.

The Dryness of the surface reduced the infectivity of the viruses 100 times within the first hour, according to Pfänder. At 30 ° C the number of infectious particles halved within 17.9 hours, at 4 ° C it still took 12.9 hours. The fastest decomposition happened at room temperature. Here the viruses disintegrated with a half-life of just 9.1 hours.

Other factors influencing the longevity of the viruses such as air humidity and solar radiation have not been investigated, according to Ärzteblatt. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 probably occurs primarily via droplets and aerosols, but infection via surfaces cannot be ruled out and is particularly relevant for hospitals.

Statement of origin from 28.02.2020: What is the risk of coronavirus infection from door handles or money?

The coronavirus pandemic never ends. The authorities are constantly being alerted to new cases worldwide. Not only governments set up crisis teams, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak to be an international health emergency. Citizens’ concerns have led to hamster purchases, disinfection products sold out, and wearing face masks in some regions*.

But how do you get infected with the new lung disease Covid-19? And how exactly do the pathogens (also called SARS-CoV-2) spread? The following rules of conduct should be observed in order to minimize the risk of infection.

Droplet infection as the main transmission path: This is how Sars-CoV-2 spreads

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) as the federal authority for infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases reports that the main transmission route of coronaviruses * primarily the droplet infection is, that is, when the viruses get into the air due to the cough of an infected person, from there they hit the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and nose of other people and penetrate the body. In this way, the coronavirus can also spread through kissing. A smear infection over contaminated surfaces is also considered possible – For example, if a patient infected with coronavirus coughs in the hands, opens the door on the subway and another then touches the door handle. Whether coronaviruses are also transmitted through sexual intercourse is unlikely, but the WHO does not categorically rule this out.

“On the other hand, transmission via inanimate surfaces has not yet been documented. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces that do not belong to the immediate vicinity of a symptomatic patient, such as imported goods, mail items or luggage, therefore seems unlikely, “says the RKI website.

also read: Corona virus in Germany: what everyone can do to avoid becoming infected.

Can you get infected with the corona virus through money?

What about banknotes and coins? The European Central Bank does not assume that the risk of infection from contact with cash is particularly high. “So far, there is no evidence that the corona virus was transmitted via banknotes“An ECB spokeswoman said when asked by Tagesspiegel. This is confirmed by the Bundesbank, which points out that the Eurosystem regularly carries out investigations into whether the production or circulation of euro banknotes can have an impact on public health.” For citizens, the same hand hygiene measures are recommended for handling banknotes and coins as for all other everyday items, such as door handles, shopping trolleys or payment terminals, “the Bundesbank continues.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) also gives the all-clear: “There are currently no cases where it has been proven that peopleEditor’s note: as about droplet and smear infection), such as eating contaminated food or imported toys, infected with the novel corona virus. There are no reports of food infections or contact with dry surfaces for other corona viruses either. However, transmissions over surfaces that were previously contaminated with viruses are conceivable due to smear infections. However, due to the relatively low stability of corona viruses in the environment, this is only likely to occur shortly after contamination. “

more on the subject: Vaccination against the corona virus: epidemic expert with a grim prognosis.

In the video: Avoiding corona infection: How to properly clean your smartphone

How long do corona viruses adhere to surfaces? Should I stop using public transport?

The federal government agreed on strict measures to slow the spread of Covid-19. This includes limiting social contacts from what is absolutely necessary. Nationwide citizens are encouraged to stay at home if possible and to leave home as rarely as possible. Public life comes to a standstill and thus also local public transport. If you have to use the bus, train or tram to get to the doctor, for example, you should note the following: “You can still use the bus and train. However, the following measures should be taken: Regular hand washing *, try to keep your distance from people“The Südwestrundfunk quotes virologist and laboratory manager Martin Stürmer. Given that surfaces are only infectious if infected people have contaminated them with viruses, the risk of infection in non-risk areas is not great.

However, striker objects: “We have data that the virus can persist on surfaces for up to nine days. But whether it is still highly infectious in its entirety has to be confirmed again. It is potentially infectious for several hours and days. “

Various experiments are ongoing. For example, US virologists have shown in tests that the novel pathogen Sars-CoV-2 can hold up to three days on plastic and stainless steel. In contrast, the pathogen is usually no longer detectable in aerosols in the air after about three hours, reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

You might also be interested in this: The average age of COVID-19 patients.

Should you avoid major events related to the coronavirus epidemic?

Festivals, soccer games or others Major events should be avoided in high-risk areas * such as Italy or Iran. In many countries, including Germany, these have already been canceled. In the Tagesschau on March 12, 2020, Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel also called for all necessary events with fewer than 1,000 visitors to be avoided. The primary goal is to slow the spread of the virus, said Merkel.

The rapid expansion of Covid-19 is exacerbating the Federal Government’s measures. In a press conference on March 22, 2020, Chancellor Angela Merkel informed the citizens only to leave their apartments and houses if necessary and to largely stop social contacts – if necessary, even into the family environment.

This is how you protect yourself against being infected with corona viruses

To protect against Covid-19 – and other infectious diseases such as influenza * – you should also have generally applicable ones Take protective measures, this includes: