Can SARS be spread from touching contaminated objects or surfaces?
It is possible that SARS could be spread when a person touches a contaminated object or surface; however, how often this might happen, or if it happens at all, is not known at this time. Previously identified coronaviruses (scientists have reported that a new cororavirus may be the cause of SARS) have been shown to survive in the environment for as long as 3 hours. To reduce the overall risk for infection by touching contaminated objects and surfaces, CDC recommends that people wash their hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.
