Sunlight destroys coronavirus quickly, says US agency

Donald Trump in a suit and tie: US President Donald Trump listens to Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Science and Technology William Bryan speak during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus

The new coronavirus is quickly destroyed by sunlight, according to a new study announced by a senior US official on Thursday, offering hope that its spread may ease over the summer.

William Bryan, science and technology advisor to the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told reporters at the White House that government scientists had found ultraviolet rays had a potent impact.

"Our most striking observation to date is the powerful effect that solar light appears to have on killing the virus, both surfaces and in the air," he said.

"We've seen a similar effect with both temperature and humidity as well, where increasing the temperature and humidity or both is generally less favorable to the virus."

He then showed a slide summarizing the results of the experiment that were carried out at National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center.

It showed that the virus's half life -- the time taken for it to reduce to half its amount -- was 18 hours when the temperature was 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) with 20 percent humidity on a non-porous surface.

This includes surfaces like door handles and stainless steel.

But the half-life dropped to six hours when humidity rose to 80 percent -- and just two minutes when sunlight was added to the equation.

When the virus was aerosolized -- meaning suspended in the air -- the half-life was one hour when the temperature was 70 to 75 degrees with 20 percent humidity.

In the presence of sunlight, this dropped to just one and a half minutes.

Bryan concluded that summer-like conditions "will create an environment with a transmission can be decreased."

But he cautioned that reduced spread did not mean the pathogen would be eliminated entirely and social distancing guidelines cannot be fully lifted.

"It would be irresponsible for us to say that we feel that the summer is just going to totally kill the virus and then if it's a free-for-all and that people ignore those guides," he said.

ia/acb

Source and Original Article: >>> msn.com and AFP

Comments

"THE NATIONAL MEDIA WAS PART OF THE CONSPIRACY THAT STOLE OUR VOTES IN 2016" - Netizen

Ballot Boxes | Photo from Manila Times For all the controversy that surrounds the Philippines’ 2016 National Elections, a netizen pointe doubt how eerily quiet mainstream media is which spells media blackout. In an article written by Daryll Kim and shared by Eric Clark Su, it discussed how the national media is seemingly part of the conspiracy that, as Kim claims, “stole our votes in 2016.” Except for UNTV and Rescue, most major media outlets are mum on the latest Senate hearing about the alleged massive election fraud while eager to continuously report on bigtime celebrity Kris Aquino. Recently, there was a video footage of a part of the Senate hearing that was taken down by Facebook, and Kim lays down the link this incident possibly has to the Yellow opposition. “More troubling is that video footage (full and partial) and posts relating to the said hearing shared were taken down by Facebook. Surprise, surprise! Facebook Philippines Head of Public Policy was Bu...

A MUST KNOW: May mga paraan para makalusot si Trillanes ngunit hindi niya ito ginagawa

Explainer: History of Trillanes' amnesty and his war with Duterte. Image credit to KAMI.com.ph Ang Proclamation 572 ay naisapubliko na, ito ay pagsasawalang bisa mula umpisa na binigay na amnestiya kay Sonny Trillanes IV. Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga paraan upang masolusyonan ang kinahaharap ni Trillanes ngayon. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV show relevant documents on his amnesty during a press briefing at the Philippine Senate in Pasay. Image credit to ABS-CBN News [A] Kopya Application form na may stamp na “received” [B] Ang sworn affidavit of admission of guilt na mayroon ding “received” stamp. Magpasa hanggang ngayon ay wala parin maipakita ang senador. Ang mga posibilidad na rason kung bakit ito nangyayari: [1] Maaarinf wala naman talaga application form at sworn affidavit. [2] Hindi mahanap ang application form at sworn affidavit. [3] Isa lamang general admission of guilt ang sworn affidavit, kumbaga, “okay sige ako ...

US-based blogger express gratitude and pride as SONA of Duterte looms

International blogger Edwin Jamora, took to Facebook to express his happiness towards the achievements of President Rodrigo Duterte that he had in the past two years that he has rose to the position. President Rodrigo Duterte / Presidential Photos Jamora which a tone of pride that it is possible for a president to fulfill his duties. Also drawing attention to former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, asking what his achievements were during the time that he was head of the state. He also pointed out that the Aquinos said that it was former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino who brought back democracy to the country, but he said that it would be correct if democracy meants it being served to “ friends, classmates, and relatives ”. "Sabi, binalik daw ni Cory ang democracy. But they changed the meaning of democracy. Democracy to friends, classmates and relatives. Korek?" he said. Edwin Jamora / Photo from his Facebook account Jamora also mentioned how PNo...

Partner for Change Philippines

Search This Blog