After stating the coronavirus can remain on surfaces for days, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now says the virus “does not spread easily on surfaces.”
With public mistrust in the CDC at an all-time high, the federal health agency walked back its warning that the virus can survive for up to 3 days on contaminated surfaces.
According to Fox News, the agency again revised its guidelines on the way the virus easily spreads on surfaces.
“This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus,” the CDC states on its website.
For months, the CDC claimed the virus survived on surfaces for days and that frequently touched surfaces should be wiped down with household cleaners.
Now the agency emphasizes that the virus is mainly spread between people who are in close contact, within 6 feet of each other, when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks, causing droplets of spittle to land in another person’s mouth or nose.
The CDC recommends wearing face masks — but studies show standard face masks and face coverings do not prevent the spread of the virus. In fact, face masks can spread the virus if worn incorrectly.
Masks should be discarded after a few hours of use and the same mask should not be worn the next day.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said last month there was no evidence to suggest the virus can be transmitted on the surface of food items and there is no need to wipe down groceries or food packaging.
