Can you catch coronavirus

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Earlier this year in Hong Kong a pet dog was declared ‘positive’ for coronavirus and was quarantined. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong said that it was a case of human to animal transmission. The dog did not show any symptoms of COVID 19 but its owner was diagnosed with the pandemic.

Pet owners across the world are now becoming concerned with the outbreak of coronavirus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a statement said at present there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. Even global health organisations have issued advisories telling that there is no evidence that pets can spread coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concurred saying there’s no reason to think that animals including pets could be a source for coronavirus. WHO in its directive advises people to wash their hands with soap and water after touching their pets. This will protect them from disease like E.coli and Salmonella which passes from pets to human beings.

Broadly WHO advises people to:

  • Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, with a tissue or your elbow
  • Put the tissue straight into a closed bin
  • Wash your hands afterwards, and then frequently, with soap or sanitiser
  • Keep your distance from people who are coughing and sneezing (at least one metre)

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