Australian scientists have discovered the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for twice as long as initially thought possible.

A CSIRO study found the virus to be active on common surfaces - such as banknotes, glass, stainless steel and mobile phone screens - for up to 28 days.

Lower temperatures extended the period during which the virus was able to live on the surface.

The research replaces previous studies which found the virus could survive 3-7 days or up to 14 at the most.