It has been reported this morning that the coronavirus cluster linked to Qantas baggage handlers at Adelaide Airport continues to grow. So, how likely is it that the baggage handlers caught the virus from luggage, how long can COVID-19 survive on a suitcase, and what can concerned travellers do? Below, Australian experts respond.
Are the baggage handlers likely to have caught the virus from handling luggage, or from contact with people in the airport?
Associate Professor Hassan Vally is an Epidemiologist and Senior Lecturer in Public Health at La Trobe University
“Transmission of the virus is possible either through direct contact with a person or by touching a contaminated surface.
Our current understanding would suggest that one would be much more likely to have become infected by person-to-person transmission than by touching a contaminated surface.
To get COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface the following would have to happen: there would need to be virus deposited on the luggage by an infected person, the virus would have to still be viable, the baggage handler would need to get it on their hands, then the baggage handler would need to have touched their face.
However, it is just impossible to know how transmission occurred without further information about the movements and activities of the baggage handlers, and then even then the exact mode of transmission may still not be clear.”
Professor Nikolai Petrovsky is a Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University. He is also Research Director, Vaxine Pty Ltd
“The most likely scenario is that they caught it from other staff, or from touching surfaces contaminated by passengers or other staff. While the virus has been shown to survive on surfaces for several hours and even days under optimal conditions the likelihood they got it from the bags is minimal, particularly as generally they wear gloves when handling luggage.”
Professor Sarah Palmer is Co-Director of the Centre for Virus Research at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney School of Medicine
“It is possible that this coronavirus cluster arose from contaminated baggage. But it is also possible the virus was spread amongst the baggage handlers by an already-infected co-worker.
It would be extremely difficult to pinpoint the source of this particular cluster of infection.
Does this mean coming into contact with baggage could spread infection? Yes, that is possible under certain circumstances.
All the more reason why we must all be especially vigilant at these times and to the greatest extent as possible reduce contact with others and avoid travel.”
What can travellers do if they are concerned their luggage could have been exposed?
Associate Professor Hassan Vally is an Epidemiologist and Senior Lecturer in Public Health at La Trobe University
“In this current environment, it would make sense if someone believed that others have handled their luggage and could possibly have contaminated it, then wiping luggage down would seem like a sensible precaution.
However, the key preventative action is to wash hands regularly so that virus that you have come into contact with from any surface is washed off your hands so that if you touch your face you do not get infected.”
Professor Nikolai Petrovsky is a Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University. He is also Research Director, Vaxine Pty Ltd
“Wipe the luggage handle with an alcohol wipe before handling with bare hands.”
How long can the virus survive on a hard surface such as a suitcase?
Dr Hannah Sassi is a virologist in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney
“Viruses have been found to survive on plastic and other hard surfaces from hours to days, depending on the virus. The strongest viruses are usually ones that infect your gut and give you gastro symptoms. The structure of these viruses help them survive longer without someone to infect.
Recent findings from the National Institute of Allergies in the US have shown that COVID-19 can survive for about three days on plastic surfaces. The survival of viruses on surfaces depends greatly on the ambient temperature and humidity. If air is drier and hotter than normal, then viruses have a harder time surviving.
For those concerned about hard surfaces at home (durable plastics, stainless steel, stone), current recommendations for disinfection is to use a 0.1 per cent bleach solution and let the solution remain on the surface for 10 minutes before wiping with a disposable cloth or paper towel. However, this can damage certain surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide and 70 per cent ethyl alcohol-based products are also effective, when used correctly. It is important to use a properly labelled and approved disinfectant (by the TGA or United States EPA) and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. It is also important to use products that are disinfectants rather than cleaners. Cleaning means removing dirt and grime, but disinfection means destroying microorganisms.
For those concerned about being in contact with the virus, it’s important to follow the current recommendations for handwashing and self-isolation. If you experience symptoms which you think are related to a potential exposure, you should ring your GP or the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 first for guidance.”
Professor Nikolai Petrovsky is a Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University. He is also Research Director, Vaxine Pty Ltd
“Theoretically, the virus could survive for several hours on a luggage handle. However, that would require someone infected who has contaminated their hands to have directly handled the suitcase handle to contaminate it. This is highly unlikely.”
Associate Professor Hassan Vally is an Epidemiologist and Senior Lecturer in Public Health at La Trobe University
“The current evidence seems to suggest that the virus may survive up to three days on hard surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic. It also appears that it may survive on cardboard for up to four hours and somewhere from a few hours to a day on clothes or fabric. How long it survives on surfaces depends on the environmental conditions, specifically the temperature and humidity. Warm temperatures and a lack of moisture will dry out the virus and inactivate it.
It’s important to note that the amount of viral particles decreases fairly rapidly over time on these surfaces, so your risk of infection would also decrease over time. The greater the dose of virus you are exposed to the greater the likelihood of being infected.”
