Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: Sally Le Page on 17/06/2021 11:17:56

Title: Can COVID survive being frozen?
Post by: Sally Le Page on 17/06/2021 11:17:56

Graham asks:

My question is, can COVID be frozen and come to life when exposed to air and slightly warmer temperatures? Or can it be frozen to a very low temperature and then come to life when frozen temperatures rise? Have any tests been done to see if COVID can survive frozen conditions?

Can you help?

Title: Re: Can COVID survive being frozen?
Post by: evan_au on 17/06/2021 12:18:35

There have been several outbreaks in abattoirs and meat-packing plants in Australia
- These are kept at a cool temperature
- But they also have a lot of people working in close proximity, without much air circulation
- And lots of spraying water

There is a big difference between finding traces of viral RNA, and having live virus...
https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2020/08/23/covid-19-coronavirus-can-survive-on-frozen-meat-and-fish-for-up-to-3-weeks-study-finds/

Title: Re: Can COVID survive being frozen?
Post by: Bored chemist on 17/06/2021 13:40:21

It's hard to say if covid can "come to life"- viruses aren't alive.

Freezing will not, in general, inactivate a virus.

Title: Re: Can COVID survive being frozen?
Post by: vhfpmr on 17/06/2021 14:31:46

I recall public information from last year that the virus can survive for weeks in the freezer, but I don't know if it's still considered correct.