Factors Affecting the Stability of SARS-CoV-2 on Surfaces Fact Sheet

In  the  absence  of  a  therapeutic  or  vaccine,  preventing  the  spread  of  SARS-CoV-2  from  person-to-person  is  the  primary  means  to  reduce  the  impact  of  COVID-19. While most data suggest that droplets or aerosols are the predominant mode for transmission, infection may  also  occur  after  touching  contaminated  surfaces. To better understand the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and understand the potential risk of contact transmission,  the  present  study  was  conducted  to  examine  the  influence  of  environmental  conditions,  matrix composition, and droplet size on the surface persistence of SARS-CoV-2. The  results  of  this  study  provide  a  basis  for  understanding  the  factors that influence the potential for fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2.