Does hot water kill the virus that causes coronavirus disease?

No, hot water alone cannot kill the virus that causes COVID-19 on surfaces. The virus (SARS-CoV-2) has a fat-based envelope that makes it very susceptible to detergents and alcohol.While it is likely that very high temperatures will also inactivate the virus, this is not an advised household practice due to the risk of burns and lack of testing on what temperature is needed and for how long. Soapy water or an alcohol-based disinfectant are better and easier ways to clean surfaces.

How long do COVID-19 particles remain in the air?

Under experimental conditions, researchers found that the COVID-19 virus stayed viable in the air for three hours. The researchers estimate that in most real-world situations, the virus would remain suspended in the air for about 30 minutes, before settling onto surfaces.

Can the COVID-19 virus be spread through food?

Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds for general food safety.

How does the virus causing COVID-19 survive outside the body?

Viruses survive outside our bodies because of how they are built. Specifically, they are pieces of genetic material (RNA or DNA) contained in a special coating of proteins called capsids. Viruses cannot replicate unless absorbed by cells in our body.

Can COVID-19 spread through airborne transmission?

Yes, COVID-19 can spread via airborne transmission. When people with the COVID-19 infection breathe out, clear their throats, cough, sneeze, speak, or otherwise move air out through their nose or mouth, droplets of all different sizes, which can contain the virus, are ejected into the air.