Stability of SAR-CoV-2 on Produce following a Low-Dose Aerosol Exposure

ABSTRACT

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent ofCOVID-19, primarily occurs through respiratory droplets, although increasing evidence suggests the potential for airborne transmission. However, fomites may act as a secondary transmission mode. Before purchase, produce is commonly handled by and exposed to multiple persons, including staff and shoppers, therefore increasing the likelihood of contamination via infectious respiratory droplets (> 5 micrometers) and/or droplet nuclei (less than or equal to 5 micrometers). Herein, we carried out a pilot study to model the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on apples, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers at two temperatures following an aerosol exposure designed to simulate a low-dose SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission event involving droplet nuclei.