: How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist on surfaces? We are seeing different values for how long this virus can persist on surfaces with the more recent data suggesting: copper 4 hours, plastic & stainless steel 3 days and, other

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An early release paper dated 23 March 2020 is now staying that SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been recovered 17 days after both infected and asymptomatic presumed infected passengers left the cabins of the Diamond Pricess cruise ship.

The discovery of virus on surfaces of asymptomatic passengers again demonstrates that viral shedding occurs in this phase in amounts sufficient to contaminate the environment.

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was identified on a variety of surfaces in cabins of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers up to 17 days after cabins were vacated on the Diamond Princess but before disinfection procedures had been conducted (Takuya Yamagishi, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, personal communication, 2020). Although these data cannot be used to determine whether transmission occurred from contaminated surfaces, further study of fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aboard cruise ships is warranted.

www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6912e3.htm
Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships — Worldwide, February–March 2020
Early Release / March 23, 2020 / 69