​To estimate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to humans by surface contact, we examined the stability of the virus on variety of surfaces, typical of urban environment or patient environment. We used PCR to detect the virus, tissue culture based growth test to determine virus viability and ability to infect new host. At room temperature, SARS-CoV-2 gradually loss its viability and decay completely at day 4. The decay rate increases at higher temperatures. About 50% of the samples from the patient surrounding were PCR positive while none of them was viable (0/97), therefore, aerosol or indirect transmission from inanimate surfaces around hospitalized or quarantined COVID-19 patients is not supported by the data presented in this study. Fomite transmission may still be a possibility with heavily contaminated surfaces around patients during their most contagious stages of infection, and in closed and crowded environments.