To avoid any traces of the coronavirus that might be lurking on surfaces, Americans have been wiping down groceries, wearing surgical gloves in public and leaving mail packages out for an extra day or two.
But experts say the national fixation on scrubbing can sometimes be overkill.
Health officials say it’s become clearer the main way the virus spreads is between people, through the respiratory droplets they spray when talking, coughing, sneezing or singing.
It’s why officials emphasize the importance of wearing masks and social distancing.
That doesn’t mean surfaces don’t pose any risk.
Cleaning is still recommended, especially frequently touched spots like door knobs or elevator buttons that infected people might have recently touched.
