At the beginning of the pandemic, disinfectant wipes were a coveted item and difficult to find.
Now they are finally going back to store shelves. But how much do we really need to disinfect surfaces?
Microbiologists say the coronavirus usually does not survive on surfaces.
“You actually go to hospitals where they treat COVID-19 patients and you check the surfaces, and there is no infectious virus, none,” said Dr. Emanuel Goldman, a professor of microbiology at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
When the coronavirus is found on a surface, it is usually the RNA. Think of it as the body or skeleton of the virus. It usually means that the virus is gone and you are unlikely to get infected by touching that surface.
Goldman says that’s why it’s not really necessary to constantly disinfect surfaces. Instead, we should focus on other preventive measures, such as hygiene.
‘Basically all you have to do is wash your hands because even if you touch something, it won’t pass through the skin of your fingers. You wash your hands and you’re done, ”said Goldman.
Goldman reminds people to remember the three W’s – wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands.