American scientists have reported that coronavirus infection can exist on surfaces for 17 days. This conclusion was made after studying cases of infection on cruise ships, according to a report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Experts found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in patients' cabins 17 days after the premises were vacated. At the same time, traces of coronavirus infection were found in the cabins of patients whose disease was both symptomatic and without visible symptoms. After disinfection, traces of SARS-CoV-2 could not be re-detected.
According to the conclusion of experts, these data cannot be guaranteed to indicate that the infection occurred through physical contact with surfaces. However, a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says such a possibility exists.
In this regard, doctors strongly recommended that they refuse to visit cruise ships and other tourist transport during the coronavirus pandemic. Scientists noted that large crowds in an enclosed space and an international composition of passengers increase the risk of infection. According to the CDC, more than 800 cases of COVID-19 on cruise ships have been recorded so far, 10 people have died.
One case of an outbreak of COVID-19 was recorded on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which docked off the coast of Japan in February. In total, there were 3.7 thousand passengers on board, including 24 Russians. A dangerous disease was identified in 705 people. An 80-year-old resident of China became the carrier of the infection.
In February, specialists at the University Hospital Greifswald found that the potential survival time of the 2019-nCov coronavirus on various surfaces is about a week. Some of the coronaviruses, which can only infect animals, can survive up to 28 days in low temperature and high humidity conditions.