By Lydia Smith
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A man from Cape Coral in Florida has admitted he dumped his dog in a suburb because he believed the animal could infect him with coronavirus.
A female dog called Daisy was picked up in Redland, Miami, and was identified as belonging to the man via a microchip.
When the man was contacted, he said he had abandoned the animal because he thought he could catch COVID-19 from her.
Read More
Celebrities Are Helping Kids Keep Up With Their Schooling Without Leaving Their Homes4 min read
Chicago Police Break Up Large Funeral During Coronavirus Lockdown4 min read
Brazilian President Bolsonaro Rejects Calls for Coronavirus Lockdown, Says ‘We’re All Going to Die One Day’3 min read
Although officials tried to tell him he was safe, the man would not take his dog back.
The dog is currently being held at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter until a new home can be found.
Although animals are being left in shelters across the US as a result of coronavirus fears, the CDC states there is currently "no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread Covid-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States".
...
It advises: "In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of Covid-19 infection at this time.
"However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it's always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals."
To stay safe, you should wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies and to practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
The CDC states: "If you are sick with Covid-19 (either suspected or confirmed), you should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
"Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with Covid-19, it is still recommended that people sick with Covid-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. This can help ensure both you and your animals stay healthy.
"When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick."
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines