How long can coronavirus survive on surfaces inside your home after you've recovered from the virus? A Belgian infectious disease expert has the answers to a question that keeps resurfacing.

Three days

Self-isolation is mandatory for all individuals who tested positive for the virus or suspect they may have contracted it. According to Belgian infectious disease expert Yves Van Laethem, "we do not have reason to believe that the virus can last longer [on surfaces] than three days." He explained that the the virus can linger a maximum of three days on hard surfaces such as wood and steel.

Does it help to ventilate your home? According to Van Laethem, ventilation does not reduce the said time period.

He nevertheless recommended to thoroughly clean the room where the patients has isolated once the three-day period has passed.

"Normal cleaning products" are sufficient, he explained. In his words: "Wash the sheets, wash the floor with soapy water or bleach, etc. After three days there will not be a live virus left."

The expert stressed the importance of not going into the patient's room for at least three days before cleaning.