How Long Can Coronavirus Stay on Contaminated Masks?

The duration of which the coronavirus can last on surfaces has been under observation since the coronavirus outbreak. Until now, most have focused on cardboard to steel surfaces. Some may have overlooked how long it lasts on the outer side of a face mask.

Being a respiratory illness, face masks are not spared from a surface where it could land. Meant as a means to protect the face of individuals, it remains that the virus can be spread via droplets from an infected person once he or she breathes, coughs or sneezes. As far as cloth, the prime material most face masks are made of, a new report from Lancet reveals how the virus could last up to 7 days.

"Strikingly, a detectable level of infectious virus could still be present on the outer layer of a surgical mask on day 7," the researchers said.

Most are advised to wear face masks at all times for their protection. However, shortages of surgical and N95 respiratory masks have led most to improvise. Some try to come up with something from old clothing materials ranging from handkerchiefs to old t-shirts to serve as protection to cover their face. Either way, the fact remains that any kind of protection worn is likely to have strands of the virus resting on the surface.



For some, this is common knowledge and the only way to play it safe is by either disposing them immediately or washing them properly with the soap or bleach, depending on the recommended washing guidelines. However, touching the outside of the mask is also something that must be avoided. Thus, it is also important to practice the right way of taking them off and washing hands properly to further decrease the probability of contracting or even passing on the strain.

"This is exactly why it is very important if you are wearing a surgical mask you don't touch the outside of the mask," researcher Malik Peiris told the South China Morning Post. "Because you can contaminate your hands, and if you touch your eyes you could be transferring the virus to your eyes."

Article by Medical Daily