SARS Wars: the Fomites Strike Back
Emanuel Goldman
Abstract
Controversy continues about the significance of fomite transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent papers continue to advocate concern. However, designs of studies showing virus survival on surfaces under laboratory conditions are unsuitable for extrapolation to real life. Although viral RNA is frequently found on real-life surfaces, actual tests for infectious virus are almost entirely negative, even in hospitals with COVID-19 patients. Fomite transmission should be regarded as no more than a very minor component of this pandemic.
Topics & Concepts
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Sars virusTransmission (telecommunications)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)CoronavirusSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirologyCoronavirus InfectionsBetacoronavirusPandemicMedicineDisease transmissionBiologyOutbreakMEDLINEEnvironmental healthAirborne transmissionCross infectionPublic healthInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 Digital Contact TracingCOVID-19 epidemiological studies