Ask The Mayor: Pets Contracting Coronavirus

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. PC: Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM. Content provider: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions.

Q: Should I be worried about my pet getting coronavirus? Do I need to be cautious around other people’s pets and animals?

A: Mahalo for your time and question. While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person.

According to the CDC, there is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, the CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.

However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. Remember that you could still get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.

For more information and other frequently asked questions on the coronavirus, please visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

General information and resources can also be found on the County of Maui’s website at https://www.mauicounty.gov/2370/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Information.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email at askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov.