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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cormac O'Shea

WHO tell how long coronavirus can last on surfaces in supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Supervalu

The World Health Organisation have listed how long the coronavirus can last on various surfaces you'd find in a supermarket.

With everyone still going to their local shop for essentials it is one place where many people try take as many precautions as possible.

All major supermarkets like Aldi and Tesco do wipe down and clean their shops extensively each day to minimise risk.

But for those still worried about picking up the virus the World Health Organisation have listed how long they believe the disease can last on surfaces.

The WHO state on their website: "The most important thing to know about coronavirus on surfaces is that they can easily be cleaned with common household disinfectants that will kill the virus.

"Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper and less than 24 hours on cardboard.

"As, always clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose."

So far there has been zero records of confirmed cases of the disease being transmitted by food or food packaging.

The WHO believe shopping to be largely a safe exercise but ask people to ensure they are practicing good hygiene.

The experts say: "When grocery shopping, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. 

"If possible, sanitize the handles of shopping trolleys or baskets before shopping. Once home, wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products.

"There is currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 transmitted through food or food packaging."

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