What should I do with my pet if I am, or someone in my family is ill with coronavirus?

If you are sick with coronavirus then current advice recommends restricting contact with your pets and other animals just like you would around other people.

You also need to avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food. This is not because there have been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with the virus but we still don’t know everything about the virus.

While you are ill another member of your household will need to take care of your animals and they will need to follow good hygiene practices washing their hands thoroughly after contact and any of their items e.g. bedding, food bowls.

If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.