How Lengthy Does Coronavirus Remaining on Cardboard and Paper?

While most of us are doing our part to flatten the curve and keeping entertained at home, we can’t avoid going out to buy essentials or having packaged goods delivered to your address. Interaction with cardboard and paper is inevitable as you buy a carton of milk or go through the week’s round of mail. You’re probably wondering what precautions need to be taken once you’ve removed those gloves and taken the package inside your home.

The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Hospital Infections published studies that confirm how long the virus lasts on these materials. Here’s what you need to know to lessen the stress upon sorting through your grocery supplies and online retail orders.

The 24-Hour Window on Cardboard

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLAA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Princeton University discovered in their The New England Journal of Medicine published study that COVID-19 lasts for up to 24 hours on cardboard. The study also found that no viable traces of the virus were measured by the end of the day-long period.

How Long Does COVID-19 Last on Paper?

Paper is another concern as we typically go through the mail and other important correspondences in our everyday lives. According to a study published in The Journal of Hospital Infections, the coronavirus persists on paper between 3 hours to 5 days. The larger the amount present, the longer it lasts on the paper surface.

We should note that the virus’ viability on these surfaces doesn’t have to be alarming. Cell biologist Carolyn Machamer, whose specialty is coronaviruses, emphasizes this in a John Hopkins University interview:

She also explains that there’s a higher chance of getting infected through the air compared to surface contact.

To prevent any potential spread, wash your hands after touching any material. It’s important to continue observing the following CDC guidelines for protection:

1. Clean and disinfect all surfaces that have high contact. These include your light switches, tables, phones, keyboards, and sinks.
2. Keep a distance of six feet between yourself and other people in public.
3. Wash your hands as often as possible with soap and water for 20 seconds after coming from a public place.
4. Stay at home as much as possible, especially if you’re sick and get in touch with your doctor upon exhibiting symptoms.

Printing companies like UPrinting are following all the safety guidelines from the CDC and WHO. This ensures all printed materials arrive sanitized upon delivery to your doorstep. For more information on how we’re minimizing the spread, check out our COVID-19 FAQ page.