Beware: These two ordinary household objects could host the deadly coronavirus

You may think your home is a safe haven from the dreaded coronavirus but an expert says danger could be lurking just metres away.

As the world edges closer to a coronavirus pandemic, the likelihood of an outbreak in Australia grows stronger by the day.

That means the possibility of large gatherings – including sporting events, festivals and concerts – being cancelled to minimise public exposure to the virus that has infected more than 82,000 and killed at least 2800.

Australians have also been told to expect school and work closures and to stock up on essentials in case we find ourselves in home quarantine at short notice.

So you could be forgiven for thinking the danger lies outside and you will be safe in your own house. You would also be wrong.

In fact, there are two objects in your home that can act as perfect hosts for coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV2, the official name for the new coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19, according to US global health expert Laurie Garrett.

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“During the (SARS epidemic, I travelled all over China and Hong Kong, interviewed people infected with the virus, doctors and nurses treating the disease, government officials, police – everybody,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning Garrett wrote in Foreign Policy.

“I was never concerned that I would become infected, despite being in the room with sick individuals. And that’s because I knew what precautions to take.”

If a coronavirus outbreak happens in your community, it may not be enough to wear protective clothing – you also have to minimise the risk of the virus latching on to objects inside the home.

TOWELS

According to Garrett, the worst offenders are towels, which provide a very cosy home for all coronaviruses — including the latest deadly strain.

“Inside your household, remove all of the towels from your bathrooms and kitchen immediately, and replace them with clean towels that have the names of each family member on them,” she advises.

“Instruct everybody in your home to only use their own towels and never touch another family member’s. Wash all towels twice a week. Damp towels provide terrific homes for viruses, like common colds, flus, and, yes, coronaviruses

Throw out old towels immediately and replace them with new ones labelled with the names of each family member. Picture: Supplied

DOORKNOBS

It has become common knowledge that the virus can survive on doorknobs but how many of us worry about the ones we have at home? If someone in your family gets sick, you better get used to washing those handles frequently.

“Be careful with doorknobs. If it’s possible to open and close doors using your elbows or shoulders, do so,” Garrett advises.

“Wear gloves to turn a doorknob – or wash your hands after touching it. If anybody in your home takes sick, wash your doorknobs regularly. Similarly, be cautious with stairway banisters, desktops, cell phones, toys, laptops – any objects that are handheld.

“As long as you handle only your own personal objects, you will be OK – but if you need to pick up someone else’s cell phone or cooking tools or use someone else’s computer keyboard, be mindful of not touching your face and wash your hands immediately after touching the object.”