The virus that causes coronavirus can survive for almost a month on everyday surfaces according to scientists.
Researchers in Australia found that Sars-CoV-2 can remain on the likes of bank notes and mobile phones for 28 days in certain conditions.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said the virus could survive for that period of time on a range of smooth surfaces at around 20C - as long as they are not exposed to an ultraviolet light.
However, experts found that an increase in temperature saw the virus survival rate ‘significantly’ drop to less than 24 hours at 40C.
The findings differ to previous studies that claimed that virus could survive on hard surfaces for a maximum of just six days.
Concluding the study, Australia’s national science agency said: “This demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious for significantly longer time periods than generally considered possible.
"These results could be used to inform improved risk mitigation procedures to prevent the fomite spread of COVID-19."
However, Professor Ron Eccles - the former director Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University - slammed the study, which was carried out under strict lab conditions.
He said any suggestion that the virus could survive for 28 days was causing "unnecessary fear to the public".
He said: "Viruses are spread on surfaces from mucus in coughs and sneezes and dirty fingers.
"This study did not use fresh human mucus as a vehicle to spread the virus.
"Fresh mucus is a hostile environment for viruses as it contains lots of white cells that produce enzymes to destroy viruses and can also contain antibodies and other chemicals to neutralise viruses.
"In my opinion infectious viruses will only persist for hours in mucus on surfaces rather than days."
