Walking a dog is important for both animal and human health and well-being. Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least 6 feet from other people and animals, do not gather in groups, stay out of crowded places, and avoid mass gatherings. Wearing a face mask in case you run into others is a good idea. Do not go to dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather. To help maintain social distancing, do not let other people pet your dog when you are out for a walk. If parks are closed in your area, respect that decision from your local leaders, but that may not prevent you from walking your dog along public streets. Check with your local authorities.

FAQs Archive | Precision Labs

Q: Should I avoid contact with my pet if I am sick with COVID-19?

It appears that COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations, but not from animals back to people. Until we learn more about COVID-19, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick, just like you would with people, if possible. If you are sick, avoid: Petting Snuggling Being licked Sharing food Sharing bedding If you can, have another member of your household care for your pets while you are sick. 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 cloth face mask.

Q: Can I give or get COVID-19 from animals?

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. A small number of pets have been reported to be infected, mostly after contact with people with COVID-19. Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can make them sick, like canine and feline coronaviruses. These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak. However, since animals can spread a limited number of other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals, such as washing your hands and maintaining good hygiene.

Q: Are there any medications I should avoid taking?

Currently, there is no evidence to show that taking ibuprofen or naproxen leads to a higher infection rate or a more severe infection of COVID-19. People with high blood pressure should take their blood pressure medications, as directed, and work with their healthcare provider to make sure that their blood pressure is as well controlled as possible. Any changes to your medications should only be made by your healthcare provider.

Q: What should I do if I'm at higher risk?

If you are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19, you should: Stock up on supplies Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick Limit close contact and wash your hands often Avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel Work from home, if possible Have your groceries delivered, if possible This is not an exhaustive list. Talk to your primary care physician for more ideas on how to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Q: Who is at higher risk of infection from COVID-19?

Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It is our duty to keep these people safe by practicing social distancing, proper hygiene, and wearing a face mask in public spaces if possible. Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are: People aged 65 years and older. People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility. People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including: People with chronic lung disease or asthma People who have serious heart conditions People who are immunocompromised in another way, such as smokers, cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplant recipients, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV/AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥40) People with diabetes People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis People with liver disease

Q: Can the CDC tell us when it's safe to return to work or school after recovery from COVID-19?

The CDC cannot address the policies of any business or organization. CDC shares recommendations based on the best available science to help people make decisions that improve their health and safety. Employers, schools, and organizations are allowed to screen for symptoms or perform on-site symptom checks. In all cases, follow the guidance of your primary healthcare provider and local health department . Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

Q: What should I do if there's an outbreak in my community?

First, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Stay informed about the local COVID-19 situation . Check in with your local and state officials via their website's for the most up to date information. Continue practicing everyday preventive actions. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily using a regular household detergent and water. Stay home if you are sick. Notify your workplace as soon as possible that you may have had contact with COVID-19. Ask to work from home or take leave for up to 14 days or more. Stay in touch with others by phone or email. If you have a chronic medical condition or live alone, ask family, friends, and health care providers to check in on you. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially those at increased risk of developing severe illness, such as older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or other sick family members than is usual.

Q: What do I do if someone in my home catches COVID-19?

If you have any of these emergency warning signs for COVID-19, call 911 immediately: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before medical help arrives. If you're mildly sick, especially with a fever or cough, and think you might have COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Provide your sick household member with face masks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others. Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person. Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, food, and drinks. This is not an exhaustive list. If you're sick, self-isolation is key, even from your own household members so that they don't contract it too.