Can Covid Stick to Clothes?
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the need to stay safe and protected from the novel coronavirus is at an all-time high. One of the questions that this pandemic has raised is whether it can stick and live on our clothes.
Risk of Transmission Through Clothes
The potential of contracting Covid-19 through contaminated clothing is actually low. Researchers who conducted a study into how long the virus remains viable on treated cotton, polyester and viscose fabrics found that, after three hours of contact, less than 0.1% of the virus was still detectable.
That being said, due to the novel nature of Covid-19, it is still hard to predict limitations of the virus since it changes constantly.
Therefore, it is difficult to attribute a definite answered to the question of whether or not Covid-19 can actually stick to clothes, since manufacturers might produce different types and qualities of fabric.
Safety Measures for Clothing
Since Covid-19 can spread through form direct contact with a person who is infected, it is possible that contaminated clothes could be a source of infection. To reduce the risk of contaminated clothing, consider the following safety precautions:
- Avoid Sharing Clothes: Do not share clothing and fabric with anyone, even if they are family or close friends.
- Wash Regularly: Always remember to wash your clothes regularly, especially if you are visiting places with a high density of people.
- Disinfecting Clothes: If you suspect that your clothes may have been exposed to Covid-19, it is best to treat them with a disinfectant and wear a face covering or mask when handling them.
- Avoid Touching Clothing: Always avoid touching clothing with your bare hands as this could increase the risk of virus transmission.
Although the risk of Covid-19 transmitting itself through clothing is low, it does not hurt to take extra precautions to remain safe from the virus. It is important to remember to practice good hygiene, social distancing and to wear a face mask when visiting crowded places.