Studies show that the coronavirus can live on your shoe soles.
Sarah Tew/CNET
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.
Now that businesses, stores and salons are preparing to reopen this month in some states and counties, it's important to know the precautions you should take to prevent the spread of coronavirus -- like wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and frequently washing your hands. And while you already know that you should be sanitizing your home regularly, should you be doing the same with your clothes and shoes?
COVID-19 can spread from person to person, through respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze or by touching an infected (usually solid) surface and then touching your face. The virus can even live on some surfaces for longer than nine days. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found coronavirus RNA that had survived in the Diamond Princess cruise ship 17 days after the passengers had departed.
CNET Coronavirus Update
Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.
The likelihood of contracting the virus from your clothes is considered low, however, especially since there's no evidence that the virus can survive on clothing. On the other hand, if you're a health care provider, it may be safest to leave your work clothes and shoes outside until they can be sanitized.
With that said, if you believe you may have come into contact with the virus, or you just want to be cautious, here's what you need to know. Note that this article provides information drawn from the CDC and offers an overview of what we currently know. Recommendations may change over time in light of new research and developments. This story updates often.
Wash your clothes on the warmest setting, if possible.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Do I need to wash my clothes when I get home?
After you come home from the grocery stor
Can coronavirus live on your shoes and clothes? Here's what we know
by Nereida Broadus (2024-10-23)
id="article-body" class="row" section="article-body">Sarah Tew/CNET
For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website.
Now that businesses, stores and salons are preparing to reopen this month in some states and counties, it's important to know the precautions you should take to prevent the spread of coronavirus -- like wearing a face mask, maintaining social distancing and frequently washing your hands. And while you already know that you should be sanitizing your home regularly, should you be doing the same with your clothes and shoes?
COVID-19 can spread from person to person, through respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze or by touching an infected (usually solid) surface and then touching your face. The virus can even live on some surfaces for longer than nine days. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found coronavirus RNA that had survived in the Diamond Princess cruise ship 17 days after the passengers had departed.
CNET Coronavirus Update
Keep track of the coronavirus pandemic.
The likelihood of contracting the virus from your clothes is considered low, however, especially since there's no evidence that the virus can survive on clothing. On the other hand, if you're a health care provider, it may be safest to leave your work clothes and shoes outside until they can be sanitized.
With that said, if you believe you may have come into contact with the virus, or you just want to be cautious, here's what you need to know. Note that this article provides information drawn from the CDC and offers an overview of what we currently know. Recommendations may change over time in light of new research and developments. This story updates often.
Wash your clothes on the warmest setting, if possible.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Do I need to wash my clothes when I get home?
After you come home from the grocery stor