COVID-19

What can I do to protect myself?

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often using an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water.
2. Keep a minimum distance of one meter between you and others.
3. Avoid going to crowded places
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
5. Both you and those around you should make sure that you maintain good respiratory hygiene. That means covering your mouth and nose with your elbow flexed or with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately discard the used tissue and wash your hands.
6. Stay home and isolate yourself even if you have mild symptoms like cough, headache, and light fever until you recover. Ask someone to bring you the supplies. If you have to leave home, put on a mask to avoid infecting other people.
7. If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek medical attention, but telephone as far as possible in advance and follow the directions of your local health authority.
8. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments from reliable sources, such as WHO or local and national health authorities.

How long does it take between exposure to COVID-19 and the development of symptoms?

The time between exposure to COVID-19 and the time symptoms begin is usually around five to six days, but can range from 1 to 14 days.

Can my pet infect me with COVID-19 or another animal?

Several dogs and cats have tested positive for COVID-19 after being in contact with infected humans. Furthermore, it appears that ferrets are susceptible to infection. Under experimental conditions, both cats and ferrets can transmit the infection to other animals of the same species. However, there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to humans and spread COVID-19. COVID-19 is spread mainly through droplets that are released by an infected person by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

The virus has also been detected in farm-raised minks that were likely infected by workers. In some cases, human-infected minks have transmitted the virus to other people. They are the first reported cases of transmission from animal to human.

People with COVID-19 and people at risk are still recommended to limit contact with pets and other animals. In handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be taken, namely: washing hands after handling animals, their food or articles, as well as avoiding kissing them, letting them lick us or sharing food.