Covid-19 can survive on surfaces including phone screens for four weeks, scientists claim

Researchers have claimed coronavirus could live on surfaces including those of phones for up to four weeks. Picture: Nick Ansell/PA

The virus responsible for Covid-19 can survive for up to four weeks on surfaces including banknotes and mobile phone screens, researchers have claimed.

Australia’s national science agency CSIRO found the virus was “extremely robust” at 20C (68F), or room temperature, and survived for less time at hotter temperatures.