Remember those rumors that packages coming from outside the country could potentially carry the most feared coronavirus? Let’s not go too far, in fact, studies claim that the virus (COVID-19) could even live on smartphones for up to nine days.
German researchers implied that the coronavirus may occupy materials like metal, glass, or plastic. Sounds familiar? It’s because all of these mentioned are used in the production of smartphones.
A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection reveals this is possible upon data analysis related on the said virus. This includes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and endemic human coronavirus (HCoV).
So, how do we ensure our gadgets are as disinfected as our hands when we use alcohol (or sanitizer)? The research also gave advice to use a solution which contains 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach). 62% to 71% of ethanol (the chemical found in hand sanitizer) is also recommended. Apple also shared that users can apply Clorox disinfecting wipes and 70% isopropyl alcohol over the iPhone’s surface. Android phone manufacturers have yet to release official information, but we imagine that it’s mostly the same process.
See also: A store in Thailand gets caught recycling and reselling used face masks amid COVID-19 crisis
Meanwhile, researchers from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention discovered that those diagnosed with the coronavirus found the organism living in their stool. Since there is a tendency that we bring our phones with us to the toilet while doing our business, safety precaution should be observed.
Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology and immunology from the University of Arizona, also reminds us phones are specifically vulnerable towards physical touch—and by that he meant whenever we place our phones on any surface, and then pick them up again. Such a situation is prevalent in our work areas or in the classroom.
It only takes a minute to ensure our phones are free from the possibility of making us fall prey to the virus. But since prevention is better than cure, let us also be wary on where we place our smartphones (and other gadgets). We are currently in a situation where anyone is a suspect of this formidable disease, so let’s make sure that we are mindful not only of our devices, but all our personal belongings.
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