SARS-CoV-2 RNA and Supermarket Surfaces: A Real or Presumed Threat?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Giuseppina Caggiano¹  Francesco Triggiano¹  Maria Teresa Montagna¹  Osvalda De Giglio¹  Giusy Diella¹  Fabrizio Fasano¹  Francesca Apollonio¹  Marco Lopuzzo¹  Marilena D’Ambrosio¹  Pasquale Stefanizzi¹  Pantaleo Magarelli²  Giovanni Trifone Sorrenti²  Domenico Pio Sorrenti²  Vincenzo Marcotrigiano² 

[1] Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology—Hygiene Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service, Local Health Unit BT, Corso M. R. Imbriani 138, 76125 Trani, Italy;

关键词: SARS-CoV-2;    supermarket;    handles;    scales;    keyboards;    surfaces;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18179404

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in March 2020 in Italy, leading to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that continues to cause high global morbidity and mortality in human populations. Numerous studies have focused on the spread and persistence of the virus in the hospital setting. New scientific evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 is present in different community environments. Although aerosol is one of the main routes of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, indirect contact through virus-contaminated surfaces could also play a key role. The survival and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces appear to be influenced by the characteristics of the material, temperature, and humidity. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces in 20 supermarkets throughout the Apulia region during the lockdown period. We collected a total of 300 swab samples from various surfaces including supermarket scales, trolley handles, refrigerator and freezer handles, and keyboards. In total, 13 (4.3%) surfaces were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination, with shopping trolley handles being the most frequently contaminated. This study showed that contamination in public spaces can occur, so we remark the importance to adopt adequate preventive measures, including environment ventilation, careful surfaces sanitation, hand hygiene, and correct usage of masks, to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.

【 授权许可】

Unknown