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There's No Evidence That Suggests Your Pets Could Get Coronavirus

There's No Evidence That Suggests Your Pets Could Get Coronavirus

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that pets, such as cats and dogs, can't be infected with the coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Good news, folks. There is no evidence to suggest that your pets could be infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to the World Health Organisation.

It is believed that the infection - which has killed around 5,000 people worldwide - won't bring down your cats and dogs.

There's no evidence that coronavirus can be picked up from dogs and cats.
PA

The World Health Organisation (WHO) wrote: "At present, there is no evidence that companion animals/pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to was your hands with soap and water after contact with pets.

"This protects you against various common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans."

This news came after it was reported that a dog in Hong Kong had tested positive for coronavirus, which was officially declared a pandemic by the WHO earlier this week.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said the animal was tested 'weak positive' for the COVID-19 virus, adding that the dog is now under quarantine.

Here in the UK, there have been nearly 30,000 people tested, with 590 positive results. Currently, 10 patients that tested positive have passed away as a result of coronavirus.

Yesterday (12 March) Boris Johnson announced that schools in the UK will not yet close - despite the Republic of Ireland implementing the measure.

The prime minister said this could change as the disease continues to spread, but that the science suggested this measure could do more harm than good at the present time.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking at a news conference inside 10 Downing Street, London, after the latest COBRA meeting.
PA

Following a COBRA meeting, he said: "We have a clear plan that we are now working through and we are now getting onto the next phase in that plan. This is now not just an attempt to contain the disease as far a as possible, but to delay its spread and thereby minimise suffering.

"We are not, and I repeat not, closing schools at this time."

It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Pets, Coronavirus, Animals