The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has always warned that “it may be possible” to become infected with coronavirus by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. It just “does not spread easily” in that manner, the agency says, nor by animal-to-human contact or vice versa.
“COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads,” the CDC’s recently updated guidelines say. “It may be possible for COVID-19 to spread in other ways, but these are not thought to be the main ways the virus spreads.”
Dr. John Whyte, chief medical officer for the health care website WebMD, told Fox News that the CDC’s slight update brings clarity and helps to reduce fears.
“Many people were concerned that by simply touching an object they may get coronavirus, and that’s simply not the case. Even when a virus may stay on a surface, it doesn’t mean that it’s actually infectious,” Whyte said. “I think this new guideline helps people understand more about what does and doesn’t increase risk. It doesn’t mean we stop washing hands and disinfecting surfaces. But it does allow us to be practical and realistic as we try to return to a sense of normalcy.”
Jessica Flores – USA Today – May 20, 2020.
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