At this point animal studies are necessary to determine whether there is significant infection through items or not. Given the spread of the virus in the world, I think it is unlikely at this point, though (it would've been noticed if significant).
"Unlikely" is certainly true, but different people have different risk tolerances. And if it were really as simple as microwaving the book, this would be pretty reasonable!
The virus needs to settle in the airways to reach the level of infection.
I understand people's reaction, it's hard to sort all the messages from the media & health authorities, but it's still sad that so many have seemingly abandoned common sense.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6...
> On Jan 22, Guangfa Wang, a member of the national expert panel on pneumonia, reported that he was infected by 2019-nCoV during the inspection in Wuhan.2
> He wore an N95 mask but did not wear anything to protect his eyes. Several days before the onset of pneumonia, Wang complained of redness of the eyes. Unprotected exposure of the eyes to 2019-nCoV in the Wuhan Fever Clinic might have allowed the virus to infect the body.2
That's why you need to wash your hands. To protect your eyes.
I'm open to proof or hints of proof in that direction, I just don't see it ATM, based on what I've read on contagion events.
"The presence of 2019-nCoV in patients’ saliva suggests the possibility of salivary gland infection.... Further studies are required"