Scientists at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan, discovered that the coronavirus can last for as long as 17 days while they were inspecting cabins on a cruise ship
Passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise, a ship owned by Princess Cruises, were evacuated 2 weeks earlier in February before scientists moved in to inspect the ship. They were able to find traces of coronavirus in the cabins during their investigation.
Over 700 coronavirus patients, out of the 3,700 onboard, believe that they have gotten the virus while they were on the ship which was quarantined outside of Yokohama, Japan.
Scientists discovered that on plastic surfaces and stainless steel, the coronavirus could last for about 3 days, and 72 hours on a hard surface. The virus has a harder time surviving on cardboard and copper surfaces. What's interesting is that the virus could last for hours in the air before it falls.
The virus could easily be transferred when a person touches a surface, such as a doorknob or a rail that has been contaminated, and then touches their face.
Please remember to always wash your hands and practice self-isolation
Photo: YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 10: Emergency workers in protective clothing exit the Diamond Princess cruise ship at Daikoku Pier where it is being resupplied and newly diagnosed coronavirus cases taken for treatment as it remains in quarantine after a number of the 3,700 people on board were diagnosed with coronavirus, on February 10, 2020 in Yokohama, Japan. 130 passengers are now confirmed to be infected with coronavirus as Japanese authorities continue treating people on board. The new cases bring the total number of infections to 156 in Japan, the largest number outside of China. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)