Deposition of respiratory virus pathogens on frequently touched surfaces at airports

Ikonen, Niina; Savolainen-Kopra, Carita; Enstone, Joanne E.; Kulmala, Ilpo; Pasanen, Pertti; Salmela, Anniina; Salo, Satu; Nguyen-Van-Tam, Jonathan S.; Ruutu, Petri

Both rhinovirus and coronavirus OC43 were detected in the same sample from buttons of the payment terminal at the pharmacy. The samples from the armrest of chairs at the waiting area (6 samples) and the samples from the handrails of an escalator (10 samples) were negative. One sample (of 7) from stair handrails was positive for coronavirus OC43. None of the samples from toilets (upper surface the toilet bowl lid, button for flushing, and door lock; 14 samples from different toilets for each surface type) were positive for any of the tested respiratory viruses. No respiratory virus was detected in three samples one from each of the buttons of an elevator, the trolley handles for luggage or the touch screen on the check-in machine.