Triple-digit temps reduce virus’ lifespan on outdoor surfaces
COVID-19 survives less than two hours on surfaces above 100 degrees
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY)- Yuma has four consecutive days in Yuma where the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized with the virus has lightly dropped.
There are two ways to spread the virus, on surfaces and person to person.
The Chief Medical Officer at Yuma Regional Medical Center, believes the heat may be reducing the risk of surface transmissions.
On top of that, Dr. Bharat Magu says the heat could be encouraging locals to stay home.
Even if you’re bold enough to endure and enjoy the outdoors while social distancing, of course, chances of surface transmission of the virus are significantly less likely in these triple-digit temperatures.
“The virus in the lab setting won't survive heat above 130 degrees more than 30 minutes. 130 is very high obviously. Above 100 degrees it can survive on surfaces for 30 minutes to and two hours. Now definitely for a fact this virus can not survive in this heat if left on a surface. For example, on a doorknob when you enter a store.”
According to the CDC, person-to-person transmission remains the primary form of spreading the virus.
To reduce the risk coming in contact with COVID-19, it’s highly recommended that we continue to wash our hands, avoid touching our face, wear a mask, and continue to social distance in public.
