At the beginning of the pandemic, disinfectant wipes were a coveted and difficult to find item.
Now, they are finally coming back to store shelves. But how much do we really need to disinfect the surfaces?
Microbiologists say the coronavirus does not usually survive on surfaces.
“In fact, you go to hospitals where you are treating patients with COVID-19 and check the surfaces, and there is no infectious virus, none,” said Dr. Emanuel Goldman, professor of microbiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Whenever the coronavirus is found on a surface, it is usually the RNA. Think of it as the virus’s corpse or skeleton. This usually means that the virus is no longer there and you are unlikely to be infected when you touch that surface.
Goldman says that because of this, it is not really necessary to constantly disinfect surfaces. Instead, we should focus on other preventive measures, such as hygiene.
“Actually, all you have to do is wash your hands, because even if you touch something, it will not get through the skin on your fingers. You wash your hands and that’s it, ”said Goldman.
Goldman reminds people to remember the three Ws – wear a mask, observe the distance and wash your hands.