COVID-19 survival on paper and other materials

The virus that causes COVID-19 transmits by respiratory droplets. Its ability to survive on paper has not been studied. There are studies of experimental contamination that shows the virus can survive for long periods on some surfaces. This is another reason that hand hygiene is so important. Anyone handling materials that will be shared with others should thoroughly wash their hands immediately before and after such activity.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Anyone handling materials shared by others should thoroughly wash their hands immediately before and after such activity. Routine cleaning and disinfection should also help prevent spread of COVID-19 through surfaces.

DHHS allows the use of paper-based packets that are transferred from school to home and back. This is not believed to be a main source of spread of COVID-19.

This information was confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services on April 3, 2020.