How does COVID-19 spread?

Like the flu, COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person. The scientific evidence confirms that COVID-19 is spread by droplets.

This means that when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, they may generate droplets containing the virus.

These droplets are too large to stay in the air for long, so they quickly settle on surrounding surfaces.

That’s why we need to be extra vigilant when cleaning – clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.

How do we get rid of the virus on surfaces?

COVID-19 can remain on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to about three days and less than that for other types of surfaces. This will depend on the surface.

If surfaces look visibly dirty, they should be cleaned first. It’s best to then use a disinfectant.

Disinfectants

Use a disinfectant that is antiviral and follow instructions.

Surfaces will need about 10 seconds soaking with the disinfectant for it to work.

Remember to store cleaners and disinfectants safely.

Information source

This information has been taken from the COVID-19.govt.nz website.

For more detail about using disinfectants see The Spinoff article written by Dr Siouxsie Wiles.