What is the Difference in Longevity Between Omicron and Older Variants on Surfaces?

How Long Does Omicron Last on Surfaces vs. Older Variants?

Setting the Stage

The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has rapidly become a global concern due to its high number of mutations and potential implications on the effectiveness of vaccines. As we grapple with this new reality, it’s critical that we know how transmission can occur and what precautions need to be taken. Specifically, one topic that experts have been investigating is the question: how long does Omicron last on surfaces compared to older variants?

SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Alpha, have previously exhibited the ability to survive on various surfaces for different lengths of time. The persistence of the virus on inanimate objects serves as an indirect contact mode of transmission besides the primary respiratory droplet and aerosol transmission.

In this blog, we will explore what research has discovered so far about the survival of omicron on different surfaces in comparison to previous COVID-19 variants. Note: the information here is based on currently available data as research continues to evolve.

Omicron Survival on Surfaces

Researchers have not yet determined definitively how long the Omicron variant survives on different types of surfaces. Even though this data isn’t readily available specifically for this variant, we can look at the general picture for coronaviruses.

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses meaning they have a fatty outer layer. This is good news because these types of viruses usually do not survive very long out in the environment compared to non-enveloped viruses like noroviruses which can survive for days, or even weeks, on surfaces. In summary, even if the virus lands on a surface, after a certain amount of time, it stops being infectious.

Bearing this in mind, while special attention must be given to hygiene practices and disinfecting common surfaces, airborne transmission still remains the most likely route of spreading between people.

Consider a scenario; Reena visited the grocery store where she used a shopping cart. After her, Sameer comes and uses the same cart. If Reena had Omicron and touched the cart, the possibility of Sameer getting sick depends on many factors; like whether Reena coughed onto her hand and wheather Sameer touched his face without washing his hands etc. In this case, effective cleaning protocols in place minimise the risk of transmission via surfaces immensely.

• Omicron variant-specific survival data is not currently available.
• Coronaviruses generally do not survive for long periods on surfaces.
• Airborne transmission is the most likely method of spread.
• Transmission by touch largely depends on recent contamination and individual behavior.
• Frequently touched surfaces should be sanitized regularly.
• Efficacy of COVID mitigation protocols remain focused on minimizing both direct (person-to-person) and indirect (via object surfaces) routes of transmission.

Survival of Other Variants on Surfaces

Earlier studies relating to the survival of SARS-CoV-2 variants have indicated that under laboratory conditions, COVID-19 can survive for varying durations on different surfaces. These survival times can range from a few hours to several days depending upon a mix of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the type of surface material.

Typically, non-porous surfaces such as glass, stainless steel, or plastic allow the viral particles to survive longer than porous surfaces like paper or clothing. Based on a study reported in The Lancet, the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 was found to persist up to four days on glass or money, and up to seven days on stainless steel and plastic.

However, it’s also important to note that merely detecting viral RNA on a surface does not mean the presence of an infectious virus. The envelope of coronaviruses can degrade over time, rendering them non-infectious.

Here is a hypothetical situation; Alex shares a working space with Bella where they use the same table, phone and keyboard. Bella test positive for the Delta variant. Without appropriate cleaning protocols, the virus can potentially survive on these shared non-porous surfaces for an extended period, and there may be a chance for Alex to be infected. Comprehensive cleaning is especially vital in shared spaces.

• Laboratory tests show varied surface survival times for previous coronavirus strains.
• Non-porous surfaces may retain infectious viruses longer than porous ones.
• Viral load decreases over time, reducing potential for infection.
• Shared spaces and equipment increase potential exposure risk.
• Routine and thorough cleaning can reduce virus presence on surfaces.
• Personal protective measures, such as hand hygiene, are crucial to prevent transmission.

Preventative Measures to Minimize Transmission

Even as we continue to learn about the Omicron variant, it’s essential to practice tried-and-true preventive methods that have been recommended since the beginning of the pandemic. These include maintaining good personal hygiene, sanitizing regularly used surfaces, wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated when it is your turn.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends cleaning visible dirt with soap and water before disinfecting surfaces. Using a product from the EPA List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) can effectively kill the virus.

Public health protocols and well-executed sanitation regimens are critical to reducing the spread of Omicron and its impacting our daily lives and businesses. As citizens, we play a tremendous role in bringing the pandemic under control by adhering to recommended safety practices.

To illustrate; in an office workspace scenario, where employees share spaces and utilities, putting into place robust cleaning schedules and providing adequate sanitization supplies can go a long way in preventing the spread of COVID-19 virus, including Omicron. Good hygiene practices, like regular handwashing and using hand sanitizers after touching commonly used surfaces like door handles, elevator buttons, or desk phones can further decrease the likelihood of transmission.

• Maintain diligent hand hygiene.
• Regularly sanitize frequently touched surfaces.
• Adhere to masking guidelines outlined by public health bodies.
• Follow social distancing norms.
• Clean visibly dirty surfaces before disinfection.
• Get vaccinated and boostered to maximise protection against COVID-19 strains.

Putting It All Together

From what current findings suggest, airborne transmission seems to be the primary route for the spread of all SARS-CoV-2 variants. While surface transmission isn’t impossible, the risk appears to be notably less than breathing contaminated air.

The virus survival times on surfaces depend on factors beyond just the viral strain—the nature of the surface, environmental conditions, and initial virus concentration play significant roles.

Implementing effective cleaning protocols, keeping up with personal hygiene, and continuing vaccination efforts are part of a multi-layered approach to containing the spread of COVID-19 regardless of the variant specifics.

Now, let’s encapsulate all information gathered in a simple table for easy comprehension.

A Final Word

As we navigate through the latest chapters of the pandemic story, it’s crucial to recognize that our knowledge and understanding are continually evolving. Scientists globally are studying the Omicron variant and its characteristics, including how long it lasts on surfaces.

While waiting for more precise data on Omicron, we should not let our guards down—continuing steadfastly with standard prevention strategies is key. Stay informed about updates from reputable health organizations, get vaccinated if you haven’t already, wear masks correctly, and keep those hands clean!

Remember, each step we take towards practising safe habits helps us get closer to pinning down this pandemic.