What about pets and coroanavirus?

Fire Chief Mike Jones provides today's update, plus answers your questions about pets and coronavirus. Chief is also joined by a local student to provide a kid's view on how to help during this time of crisis.As of today, 69,219 cases in the United States. The death toll is 1,054. Here in Virginia 6,189 people been tested with 460 confirmed cases, 65 hospitalizations and 13 deaths.In our immediate area, positive cases remain the same as yesterday and here in the City we have just one confirmed case at this time. As testing becomes available we expect to see an increase in these numbers. We have not reached the top of the curve. City services are still in full operation with a limited footprint. And all essential services continue with Police, Fire, EMS, Trash Pickup, Water and Wastewater Treatment. If you are having problems dealing with the stress we ask you to contact the Rappahannock Community Services Board hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 540-373-6876. If you have minor medical emergencies please contact the Mary Washington Healthcare Heath Link Nurse hotline at 540-741-1000.Many of you have pets and concerns about the COVID-19 virus and it’s spread. “What happens if I’m diagnosed with COVID-19, what happens to my pet?” Identify another person in the household that may be able to care for the pet. Have a kit ready with at least two weeks worth of food and any medications that your pet might need. “If I’m ill with COVID-19 what precautions should I take for caring for my pet?” Out of an abundance of caution, practice social distancing and consider isolating from your pet if at all possible. While there are no reports of pets becoming sick from COVID-19, limiting contact is the best choice at this point. “Can COVID-19 infect my pets?” Currently there is no evidence that pets become sick or that dogs and cats transmit to people. “Can pets transmit the COVID-19 virus the way other contaminated objects the way contaminated objects or surfaces might?” Most pet hair is porous and fibrous, which is very unlikely that you will get COVID-19 from petting or playing with your pet. However, pets can spread other diseases, so it is always a good idea to practice good handwashing techniques with your pet, as well as making sure they are groomed properly, and keep their food and water areas cleaned.Aaron, a local student, provides a kids’ view on how students can help during this time of crisis.Staying home helps everyone stay healthy. Being out of school right now is weird though. Try making a weekday routine. Mom and I made a schedule to help plan my day. When I’m done with my teacher’s assignments, I have a list of things I can do… I can read one of my books, exercise, or play music. Try to help around your house with chores, like helping with cleaning, cooking, or taking care of pets. And don’t forget we need to call our older relatives to check on them. Maybe we could color some pages to mail to them, they are probably just as bored being home as we are!And remember, it’s not our job to worry about this, just to help where we can and be the awesome kids we are!#covid19 #fxbggov

Posted by Fredericksburg Government, Va on Thursday, March 26, 2020