Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in Different Environments and the Effect of Disinfectants on its Survival

Abstract

In December 2019, the prevalence of a pneumonia with unknown cause was reported in China which was later named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. One of the most important ways of COVID-19 transmission is contaminated surfaces. In this review study, we investigated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in air and on surfaces and the methods of preventing its spread Reported in studies conducted from 2003 to April 2020 which were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Embace, and Google Scholar databases using keywords including Coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, disinfection, transmission and surfaces. Out of 118 articles identified in the initial search, 73 were remained after screening their titles and abstracts. By applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 articles were finally selected for review. The novel coronavirus epidemic in humans is more widespread than previous coronaviruses, indicating the high infectivity and environmental stability of the virus. The SARS-CoV-2 can stay active for up to 28 days at low temperatures (4°C). Currently, due to the lack of effective treatment and vaccines, the best ways to deal with this disease is to avoid contamination, use disinfectants, and prevent its spread by protective measures.