GEORGE NEWS - André Immelman, who used to be part of research work at the Johannesburg University, sent in some photo results of tests they had done that demonstrate how infectious diseases, like Covid-19, can spread through touching surfaces.
A fingerprint sample was taken from a fingerprint reader to test for the transfer of viruses and bacteria that could give rise to infectious diseases.
"The results indicate the kind of bacterial transfer that takes place by simply touching a concentrated surface like a fingerprint reader for only a second or so," said Immelman.
"The lifespan of bacteria and viruses is normally no longer than 24 hours, but can be longer depending on atmospheric conditions. Fingerprint readers - that are so common - are extremely 'efficient' sources of viruses.
"People cough in their hands and then touch a fingerprint reader, waiting for the next person to touch the same surface. Scary!" he said.
The sample was grown in agar, a culture medium widely used for growing micro-organisms. "It's a bit like peat for plants to grow in."
He said the the subject's hands were disinfected before he touched the fingerprint reader.
Photo: aiQ Cognitive Technologies and University of Johannesburg (South Africa).
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