As part of the Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project's Phase 1 research, Battelle has conducted a natural attenuation study to provide information on how long some commonly circulated library materials would need to be quarantined prior to being returned to public circulation.
Testing was conducted by applying the virulent SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19) on five materials held at standard room temperature and humidity conditions. The materials tested included the following items, which were provided by Columbus Metropolitan Library:
(1) Hardback book cover (buckram cloth) (2) Softback book cover (3) Plain paper pages inside a closed book (4) Plastic book covering (biaxially oriented polyester film) (5) DVD case.
Results show that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detectable on the materials after three days of quarantine. The evaluation demonstrates that standard office temperature and relative humidity conditions typically achievable by any air-conditioned office space provide an environment that allows for the natural attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 present on these common materials after three days of quarantine.
Testing of additional materials is planned, and Test 2 results are expected by the end of July; details on the items being tested will be available by July 1.
Thank you to the Office of Commonwealth Libraries for providing this update. See the original post on their website here.