Viewing post #2173495 by Australis

I fear people are drastically underestimating the potential fallout from this virus. I am conflicted over what information to post and share, as this thread needs to remain calm and rational, not descend into fear and panic. I think people need to be aware of what is coming, but how to convey it appropriately is an issue.

It is of great frustration to me that many people still seem to think that this is just a flu-type virus. It is not. For those who are unaware, COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the virus SARS-Cov-2. Genetically this thing is akin to a sibling of the original SARS virus (just not as deadly).

For those wishing to understand the possible implications and see some data, have a look at this article.

The ABC has helpfully compiled a list of answers to some of the common questions:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/he...

One of the key questions raised - which I think is worth quoting here - is below:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation said:
9. How long does coronavirus last on surfaces?

It's a question a lot of people have been asking, and science is starting to give us a clearer picture of the answer.

One study that brought together data from 22 previous studies on coronaviruses (but not this new 2019 strain) found human coronaviruses could theoretically last on surfaces at room temperature for up to nine days.

That sounds like a long time, but a lot of factors come into play, tweeted Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University in the US.

Some of these factors include:

The type of surface: Viruses survive on shiny, hard surfaces longer than soft ones
Whether it's exposed to sunlight: UV radiation kills viruses
Temperature and humidity: Viruses last longer at lower temperatures and lower humidity

The study concluded that disinfecting surfaces with 0.1 per cent sodium hypochlorite or 62–71 per cent ethanol significantly reduced the infectivity of coronavirus on surfaces, and that the authors expected a similar effect against the SARS-CoV-2.

Another crucial way to avoid getting infected from touching a contaminated surface? Keep your hands clean and don't touch your face. Here's a reminder on how to wash your hands effectively.