March 11, 2020

expert comment about coronavirus and mobile phone hygiene

There have been questions in the media about mobile phones and transmission of COVID-19.

Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow in Global Health, University of Southampton, said:

“There is limited evidence of spread of infectious disease from mobile phones and other devices.  Various laboratory studies have shown it is certainly theoretically possible, viral loads are detected on the screens.  Ultimately, phones are touched by fewer different people than, for example, a door handle.  So, whilst its important to recognise potential sources of infection, people don’t need to be overly concerned about the phone itself, but make sure they are thoroughly washing and cleaning their hands several times a day.”

All our previous output on this subject can be seen at this weblink:

http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/tag/covid-19

The SMC also produced a Factsheet on COVID-19 which is available here:

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/smc-novel-coronavirus-factsheet/

Declared interests

None received.