Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and public space surfaces in three districts of Lima, Peru

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on food surfaces and surfaces in public spaces in 3 districts of Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three districts of the Lima metropolitan area. Surfaces that were most exposed to users were selected. Samples were swabbed for 4 weeks and transported to the laboratory to determine the presence of the virus. One thousand ninety-five inert surface samples and 960 food surface samples were evaluated for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 by the real time-PCR molecular test, whereby only one sample from an automated teller machine was positive. Most of the inert and food surfaces evaluated did not show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 during the time of sample collection. Despite the negative results, the frequency of disinfection and hygiene measures on high-contact surfaces should be maintained and increased to prevent other highly contagious infectious diseases.