the stuff can survive on some surfaces i think for days . take a placelike a nba game or theater .....all those rails, posts , seating , walls , bath rooms , handles , not to mention close contact of money , high fives , sneezing , water fountains , Ac , on and on . It only a few people are in a crowded area that are sick , 100 s could leave with virus , not knowing they got it and. spread it to 100 'smmore before getting sick themselves. Best to keep out of crowds , and crowded public places.