We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic by answering your questions. You can send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and CBC News Network.
We’re breaking down what you need to know about the pandemic by answering your questions. You can send us your questions via email at COVID@cbc.ca and we’ll answer as many as we can. We’ll publish a selection of answers every weekday on our website, and we’re also putting some of your questions to the experts on the air during The National and CBC News Network.
So far we’ve received thousands of emails from all corners of the country, including a number of questions about serology tests to how long the virus lasts in your beard, like this question from Parmod L.
How long does COVID-19 stay active on a beard?
Here’s a question from Parmod L. that stumped us. We know the virus persists on different surfaces like cardboard and plastic for varying amounts of time. But what about beards and facial hair?
“We get asked about it all the time,” says Dr. Scott Weese, a veterinary professor at the University of Guelph who researches emerging infectious diseases and infection control.
No one knows for sure.
What epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists do know is that the novel coronavirus can’t tolerate most environments, including beards.
Weese says the virus would likely last on beards for hours — not days.
Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, infectious disease specialist at Trillium Health Partners, echoes those sentiments.
“Once the virus is in the environment and out of its natural habitat in the respiratory tract, it doesn’t do so well,” Chakrabarti said, estimating it can remain active on a beard for several minutes.
“Theoretically, after a fresh cough or sneeze by someone with a beard, and then someone else happens to immediately kiss that person, there is the risk of transmission.”
That’s part of the reason why public health officials, and Health Canada continue to advise Canadians to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, stay home as much as possible, and practice physical distancing.
I heard there’s a COVID-19 blood test that’s very quick. Can Canada use this method instead of the swab?
Lots of questions are coming into our inbox about COVID-19 blood tests, including this one from Ar