COVID-19 can survive in the air for several hours, which means people can contract the potentially deadly bug by touching contaminated surfaces and through the air, according to experts.

Although the virus can stay in the air for up to three hours, it becomes less infectious over time, the Mirror reports.

Scientists found that this coronavirus, known in medical circles as SARS-CoV-2, was present in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and between two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

However, it can last longer on plastic and stainless steel than on copper and cardboard, the virus could be detected for up to 72-hours after applied on the surfaces.

The findings, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, were made by the National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists.

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that if the UK follows scientific advice, it will beat the coronavirus which has so far claimed 104 lives in the UK with number expected to rise in the coming weeks.

In response to lockdown rumours, the government has suggested there is "zero prospect" of restrictions being enforced on travelling in or out of London.

Johnson's spokesman said today: " There is zero prospect of any restriction being placed on travelling in or out of London.

“It’s not happening.”

However, the UK government is encouraging people to work from home, and avoid mass gatherings.

If you do experience symptoms associated with coronavirus, you are encouraged to self isolate for seven days if you live alone, or 14 days if you live with others.

So far, more than 200,000 people have been infected worldwide, with 104 deaths in the UK.

Countries all over the world are on lockdown in attempts to contain the spread of the virus.

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