Cleaning our schools: How long does Covid-19 last on different surfaces?

Schools striving to return to a semblance of normality and welcoming back a full complement of staff and pupils will have to make many changes in how they organise their work – not least with a new hygiene and cleaning regime.

Our knowledge about exactly how and in what environment Covid-19 spreads and is most infectious continues to grow, as scientists are learning constantly from this pandemic. But a stringent and thorough cleaning regime in schools can play a big role in minimising those risks.

When we cough, sneeze, and even speak and laugh, we produce droplets – known as aerosol – which can be inhaled. Some of the larger, heavier droplets fall to the ground within seconds or land on surfaces which then become contaminated. But we are also at risk of being directly exposed to droplets when standing close to the person who has just coughed or sneezed. This is why physical distancing is so important in controlling the pandemic.