Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of fomite-based transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we employed the K18-hACE2 mouse infection model to experimentally assess the relative contribution of fomite transmission. Our findings indicate that while fomite transmission can occur in certain cases, the risk of fomite transmission in natural settings may be relatively low when appropriate hygiene practices are followed. These results may help optimize public health measures for more effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic.