Human coronaviruses need organic materials to transfer efficiently between surfaces
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly infected over 191 million individuals across the world since its emergence in late December 2019. The virus causes COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), which alone is responsible for over 4.1 million deaths during this period, crippling the global economy.
Transmission
Generally, the main routes of transmission for SARS-CoV-2 are direct transmission via aerosolized droplets and direct contact. However, concerns have been raised about potential virus transmission through food, food packaging, and common food contact surfaces.
As with other viruses, including non-enveloped viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus as well as enveloped viruses such as influenza virus, fomite-mediated transmission could also be an important secondary method of transmission for SARS-CoV-2.