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We're all probably a bit more conscious about germs and viruses lately than we used to be. People are being advised to wash their hands often and sneeze or cough in their arms instead of their hands. But how long do viruses live on surfaces we touch every single day, according to insider. It depends on the virus and the surface. The SAR Seal B two virus responsible for the current Corona virus pandemic, for example, can live on stainless steel surfaces for up to 72 hours on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on copper for up to four hours. Other viruses that fall under the Corona virus family can live on metal, plastic and glass for up to five days and depending on temperature and humidity up to nine days. It's still unclear how long viruses can live on fabric, but according to insider, wool and cotton tend to hold more bacteria and fungi than silk or synthetic fabrics. NPR reports that you don't need any fancy cleaning products or ingredients to get rid of Kobe. 19. Soap and water does the trick, as well as alcohol or ammonia based products, enhance sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol

Advertisement COVID-19 patient isolating in Macon County, North Carolina, officials say Patient doing well and in isolation, health officials said. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A New York resident who tested positive for COVID-19 is being monitored while following isolation orders in Macon County after visiting Asheville, according to Macon County Public Health officials. The test, conducted by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, is presumptively positive and will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient is doing well and is in isolation, health officials said. Officials said the patient is a resident of New York state and traveled to Buncombe County, where they became ill and were tested, and then traveled to Macon County. Buncombe County authorities said the person visited Asheville Tuesday through Friday, at which time they had symptoms of COVID-19. The person was tested by Buncombe County Health and Human Services communicable disease staff and immediately traveled on to Macon County for isolation, health officials said. They said BCHHS public health staff are conducting an investigation into this individual’s activities during their time in Buncombe County. More information will be provided as potential close contacts are identified. Since cases are reported under the state of residency, this case will be identified as a New York state case, not a North Carolina case, officials say. >>The LATEST on Coronavirus in SC, NC, Georgia.>>Read more on the coronavirus in WYFF 4's special sectionThe Macon County and Buncombe County Health Departments are working to identify close contacts. The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 case for a period of 10 minutes or longer. Based on information provided by the individual, county health officials will assess risks of exposure, determine which if any additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine and/or testing.Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, North Carolinians should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including washing your hands, avoiding touching your face, staying home if you are sick and covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow.Symptoms for COVID-19 are fever, cough and other lower respiratory illness (shortness of breath). If you believe that you may have COVID-19, please call the health department at 828-349-2517. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm, until further notice.