Fact Check: Coronavirus dies in 12 hours, viral message misleading

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Fact Check: Coronavirus dies in 12 hours, viral message misleading
Fact Check: Coronavirus dies in 12 hours, viral message misleading

New Delhi : Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to observe Janta curfew on Sunday (March 22), a message on social media has been making a round with claims that the curfew has been imposed for 14 hours and the life of coronavirus in just 12 hours, making India virus free in no time.

Another version of the viral message claimed that 24-hour 'standstill of the nation' where “the virus lying at all the spots in the country would die within this time before anyone comes in contact with virus spots.”

Let's talk about the facts and real statements.

According to World Health Organisation, it is still being studied that how long this virus can stay on a surface.

"Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment)," says the WHO.

According to one of the first studies on the virus, it was claimed that the virus can stay in air for up to 3 hours. Neeltje van Doremalen, a virologist at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that the virus can stay for a longer duration on the other surfaces. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 17.

Another study in The Journal of Hospital Infection suggests that coronaviruses can remain on inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days.

The WHO recommends cleaning a surface you think is infected with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus in order to protect yourself and others. “Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.” recommends the WHO.