Traces of COVID-19 Found on Cruise Ships After 17 Days


Following the release of a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been determined that traces of the coronavirus or COVID-19 can stay on surfaces for as long as two weeks.

This report was released after the CDC inspected the Diamond Princess cruise ship after passengers were vacated following a staggered departure process and lengthy quarantine. The CDC found RNA traces of COVID-19 on the cruise ship surfaces for up to 17 days after passengers left the ship.

More than 3,700 passengers and crew members were quarantined off the coast of Japan on the Diamond Princess after reports were released that people on the vessel were infected with COVID-19. The ship and all people on-board were kept in quarantine for two weeks as officials tried to isolate healthy passengers from those infected, all the while trying to keep the virus from spreading.

These traces of COVID-19 specifically include SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The CDC examined several different types of surfaces, finding that SARS-CoV-2 RNA was still on surfaces in cabins where both symptomatic and asymptomatic infected passengers had stayed. The CDC was not able to determine whether the transmission of the virus to the passenger occurred from these contaminated surfaces, although further study is being conducted.

They would also like to caution individuals that their recent findings do not necessarily mean that the virus is spread via surfaces. Researchers are looking further into how the virus proliferated throughout the ship.

The Diamond Princess quarantine resulted in over 700 cases of the coronavirus confirmed with nine deaths reported thus far. Many argue that the forced quarantine of all 3,711 people on board by the Japanese authorities after the ship was docked led to the spread of the virus. Approximately 430 passengers on the Diamond Princess were U.S. citizens.

INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.

If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of all legal rights.

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991.  We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety.  We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits.  You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering.  Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email.