Pets should be in your bubble too.
Coronavirus: Kiwis need to keep their pets in lockdown bubble too
Steven Walton
05:25, Mar 26 2020
Pets need to be kept in the family bubble during New Zealand's lockdown, too, an infectious disease expert says.
"Whatever your bubble is for the month, this is the bubble you must maintain,"
Professor David Hayman, an infectious disease ecology expert at Massey University's veterinary science school, said pets had to follow this too – and he urged people to treat their pets "as if it's someone you do care for and love".
"If I cough on my hands, stroke a dog's head, and then a kid comes along, strokes the dog's head, and then touches their face ... that's a way of transferring infection."
The lockdown was not a reason for people to stop walking their dogs or riding their horses, he said, but contact with others should be limited.
Hayman encouraged people with cats to keep them inside, as they tend to roam.
People should be conscious of contact with their own pet too, he said. Hands are fine if washed, but faces should be kept apart because the virus can enter through the nose and mouth.
Dr Helen Beattie, chief veterinary officer for the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), agreed pets had to be kept in the family bubble.
It's a good practice at this point to consider your household is your life and your world."
She encouraged people to use pets as "a source of comfort".
"I've heard a lot of stories about a lot of animals are very happy to have a whole bunch of people at home in their life rather than heading off to work everyday".
Beattie said for people who had recently returned from overseas or had been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus case, it would "make some sense" to reduce contact with pets.
Poll: Should employees be able to work from home?
At the post-Cabinet press conference, the National Party asserted they want public sector staff to return to the office. This has opened a conversation about other sectors in New Zealand who have adopted working from home (WFH).
Where possible, do you think employees should be able to work from home? Vote below and share your thoughts in the comments.
-
71.6% Yes
-
25.4% No
-
3% Other - I'll share below
Guess what? It’s riddle time in the neighbourhood!
What can travel all around the world while remaining stuck in a corner?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Kids Go Free in the holidays
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for the school holidays? Bring your little ones to Tākina! They can explore the Free Science Discovery Zone, where they’ll have an interactive science journey.
Plus, don’t miss the chance for kids to go Free to the Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibit with each adult ticket. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young minds to dive into the world of science fiction and real science. Make the most of these holidays with a visit to Tākina!
More information about the free science activity
Limited capacity. Get your free Kid ticket with each Adult pass here
Loading…
