This week, coronavirus cases in the UK hit 39, leading to widespread panic about the spread of the virus.
While washing your hands and avoiding sick people can reduce your risk of catching the virus, it’s believed to be able to survive on hard surfaces for several hours.
This means that any objects you regularly touch - whether it’s your kitchen counters, smartphone or door handles - could be hotbeds for the disease.
Previous research by Pall Mall Medical has shown that Brits are up to four times more likely to catch flu from using an iPhone than from sitting in the same room as someone who is infected with the virus.
Dr Shikha Pitalia, director at Pall Mall Medical said: “The average Brit checks their phone every 12 minutes when they’re awake and coupling this with poor hand hygiene and a dirty smartphone screen creates the perfect storm for many of us to pick up the flu this winter.
“Flu can be a serious condition, particularly for children, pregnant women and the elderly and we should all be taking simple yet effective steps in order to minimise the risk of us contracting or spreading the virus.”
Thankfully, making sure your smartphone is clean and disinfected is very easy.
Here are our top tips for keeping your smartphone clean amid the coronavirus outbreak.
1. Invest in a microfibre cloth
Regularly wiping your smartphone with a microfibre cloth can be an easy and inexpensive way to keep your screen clean.
2. Make your own cleaning solution
If you don’t fancy splashing out on a cleaning solution, you can create your own version.
Simply mix together a solution of 60% water and 40% rubbing alcohol, and apply to a cloth before wiping the screen.
3. Use disinfectant wipes
If you have disinfectant wipes to hand, you can use them on the rear of the smartphone and even the case.
Try to avoid using these wipes on the screen if possible.
4. Regularly wash your hands
It might sound obvious, but regularly washing your hands can help to keep your smartphone clean.
Doctors advise that you wash them with hot water and soap for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday through twice.
If you’re on the go, hand sanitiser can be a good temporary measure.
