Coronavirus could stay on self-service screens for several hours, experts say (Pictures: PA/Susannah Ireland)

Touchscreens found in places like McDonald’s and Marks and Spencers could contribute to the spread of coronavirus, experts have warned.

As the deadly bug infects 321 people across the UK, scientists say the virus could stay for at least several hours on self-service machines found in fast-food restaurants, train stations and supermarkets.

While it is most common for Covid-19 to be transmitted via coughs or sneezes, touchscreens are still a ‘great place’ for viruses and bacteria to be passed from person-to-person.

Infectious disease epidemiologist Dr Tara Smith said: ‘We see these touchscreens all over, airport kiosks, fast food restaurants, and of course supermarkets.


The virus is most commonly transmitted through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Touchscreens are a ‘great place’ for viruses and bacteria to be deposited (Picture: Susannah Ireland)

‘Since so many people are touching them day in and day out, they’re a great place for viruses and bacteria to be deposited by infected individuals and be picked up by healthy ones, spreading the germ to new people.



‘In addition to touch, germs can also be spread by people who are coughing or sneezing while using these and not covering their mouth.’

Dr Smith, of Kent State University, has urged companies to provide antibacterial wipes so customers are able to wipe the screen before and after using touchscreens.

She said: ‘I know it might be difficult to get rid of them altogether, but I think companies should at least consider supplying sanitizing wipes so that individuals could wipe the screens off before and after using them.

‘This wouldn’t be a perfect situation, but it would at least reduce the amount of germs on the screens.

‘Individuals using these should also wash their hands after doing so, or use hand sanitizer in a pinch if they’re unable to wash.’

It comes a year after an investigation by Metro.co.uk found traces of faeces on McDonald’s touchscreens in eight restaurants in London and Birmingham.

Coronavirus has infected 321 people across the UK (Picture: PA)

According to the NHS, you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to keep clean (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Staphylococcus, a bacteria that can cause blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome, was discovered at one branch, while Listeria bacteria which can cause listeriosis and can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women, was found in Oxford Street and Holloway Road branches.

In November 2018, senior lecturer in microbiology at London Metropolitan University Dr Paul Matewele told Metro.co.uk: ‘We were all surprised how much gut and faecal bacteria there was on the touchscreen machines. These cause the kind of infections that people pick up in hospitals.

‘For instance Enterococcus faecalis is part of the flora of gastrointestinal tracts of healthy humans and other mammals. It is notorious in hospitals for causing hospital acquired infections.’

Prof Sally Bloomfield, of the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, has said she agrees ‘in principle’ spreading coronavirus through touchscreens could be an issue, and has advised people to not touch their mouth, eyes and nose with contaminated hands.

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She said: ‘Trying to make sure that people do not pass on or pick up the infection via hand contact surfaces whilst they are in the store is important.

‘In a supermarket it is impossible – because everything customers do is about hand contact.

‘I think the best way is to offer customers free hand gel at the entrance and politely ask them to use it to protect other customers whilst they are in the store.



‘Do the same thing for customers who are leaving to protect themselves against people who refused to comply with the earlier request – simple but effective.

‘Hands are the last line of defence – if you don’t touch the mouth, eyes and nose with contaminated hands, you won’t get infected via this route.’

The British Retail Consortium – which is representing major supermarkets including Asda and Marks and Spencer – said the stores have increased the number of deep cleans and are advising customers to take precautions.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, said: ‘Retailers are continuing to adhere to high standards of hygiene in store and are taking extra precautions as advised by Public Health England.

People wear medical masks as a precaution against coronavirus in central London (Picture: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Do not touch your mouth, eyes and nose with contaminated hands (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Alongside this, we are urging everyone to follow Public Health England’s advice: wash hands frequently with hot water and soap for 20 seconds or use alcohol hand gel, and be aware of safe coughing etiquette.’

A McDonald’s spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘We are closely monitoring any potential impact of coronavirus on our people, customers and in the communities we operate in.

‘We are committed to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness, with a number of detailed procedures in place in our restaurants to prevent germs from spreading. These measures include sanitising surfaces such as door handles, self-order screens and tablets frequently throughout the day.

‘We are also regularly updating and communicating with our people to ensure they are aware of the current situation in the UK, and reminding them of these procedures.’


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