7. How long can SARS-CoV-2 survive outside of human body?

There is no authoritative research data in this regard, as SARS-CoV-2 is a newly discovered virus, and we do not have enough information about it. However, SARS-CoV-2 and SARS virus are sister viruses and are highly correlated genetically. We can refer to some research results of SARS virus.

(1) SARS virus survives on the surface of non-water-absorbent materials for about 48 hours;

(2) SARS virus survives on the surface of water-absorbent materials for about 6 hours;

(3) The survival ability of SARS virus in tap water is strong, and the survival time can exceed 48 hours.

This indicates that SARS virus has low resistance to dryness. In different humidity environments, its survival time is different. In a dry state, SARS virus does not survive for more than 48 hours. With reference to the above SARS virus data, it can be inferred that the survival time for SARS-CoV-2 on places like elevator buttons and door handles is about 48 hours.