View source for FAQs on COVID

[[File:COVID-19 2871.jpg|alt=COVID|600px|right|COVID]]

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing [[Corona virus outbreak|coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19]], is not the same as the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/types.html coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans] and cause mild illness, like the common cold. A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] diagnosis. Patients with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

== Frequently asked questions and answers about [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] (Coronavirus) ==
Here is a list of all the frequently asked questions and answers related to COVID -19.

===Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019, [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization [https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1227297754499764230 announced] an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. In [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. There are [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html many types] of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) [https://www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/naming-new-diseases/en/ best practice] for naming of new human infectious diseases.

===Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine. Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths. Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.
[[File:COVID 2019 SEMPTOMLARI 2.0.svg|alt=Common symptoms of COVID-19|thumb|Common symptoms of COVID-19]]
===How can people help stop stigma related to [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] actually spreads can help stop stigma.

===What is the source of the virus?===
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is available on the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html#anchor_1580079137454 Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus].

===How does the virus spread?===
This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. The virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic some affected geographic areas]. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. Learn what is known about the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html spread of newly emerged coronaviruses].

====Can someone who has had [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] spread the illness to others?====
The virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html spreading from person-to-person]. Someone who is actively sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others. How long someone is actively sick can vary so the decision on when to release someone from isolation is made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with doctors, infection prevention and control experts, and public health officials and involves considering specifics of each situation including disease severity, illness signs and symptoms, and results of laboratory testing for that patient. Current [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-hospitalized-patients.html CDC guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation] is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:

*The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

*The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.

*The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.

Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

===Can someone who has been quarantined for [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] spread the illness to others?===
Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

===Can the virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?===
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom. It may be possible that a person can get [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures. Learn what is known about the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html spread of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]].

===Will warm weather stop the outbreak of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.  At this time, it is not known whether the spread of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] will decrease when weather becomes warmer.  There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] and investigations are ongoing.

===What is community spread?===
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

===Am I at risk for [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] in the United States?===
This is a rapidly evolving situation and the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html#risk-assessment risk assessment] may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 ([[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]) website.

===Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?===
Yes. There have been cases of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] in the U.S. related to travel and through close contact. U.S. case counts are updated regularly Mondays through Fridays. See the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html current U.S. case count of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]].

===How can I help protect myself?===
Visit the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] Prevention and Treatment] page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]].

===What should I do if I had close contact with someone who has [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
There is information for [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html people who have had close contact] with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] available online.
[[File:Coronavirus COVID-19 prevention.svg|alt=Stop the spread of germs|thumb|Stop the spread of germs]]
===Who is at higher risk for serious illness from [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html health workers] and other [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-home-care.html people who are taking care of someone infected with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] in close settings] (at home or in a health care facility).

===Am I at risk for [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] from a package or products shipping from China?===
There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] and how it spreads. Two other coronaviruses have emerged previously to cause severe illness in people (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV). The virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is more genetically related to SARS-CoV than MERS-CoV, but both are betacoronaviruses with their origins in bats. While we don’t know for sure that this virus will behave the same way as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, we can use the information gained from both of these earlier coronaviruses to guide us. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] in the United States associated with imported goods. Information will be provided on the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html Coronavirus Disease 2019 ([[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]) website] as it becomes available.

==What are the symptoms and complications that [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] can cause?==
Current symptoms reported for patients with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#footnote footnote 11], cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] Symptoms].

===Should I be tested for [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] or have recently traveled from an area with [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html#geographic ongoing spread of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]], stay home and call your healthcare provider. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. If you have severe symptoms, such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips of face, contact your healthcare provider or emergency room and seek care immediately. Your doctor will determine if you have signs and symptoms of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] and whether you should be tested.

===Can a person test negative and later test positive for [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected. For [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means that the [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] virus is not causing their current illness.

===Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine. Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that spreads rumors and myths. Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.

===How can people help stop stigma related to [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] actually spreads can help stop stigma.

===What should healthcare professionals and health departments do?===
For recommendations and guidance on persons under investigation; infection control, including personal protective equipment guidance; home care and isolation; and case investigation, see [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html Information for Healthcare Professionals]. For information on specimen collection and shipment, see [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/lab/index.html Information for Laboratories.] For information for public health professional on [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], see [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/index.html Information for Public Health Professionals]. [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html FAQs for Healthcare Professionals]
[[File:Covid-19-curves-graphic-social-v3-de.gif|alt=COVID graph|thumb|COVID graph]]
===Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]].

===Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] after they have passed away?===
[[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is a new disease and '''we are still learning how it spreads'''. The virus that causes [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death. It may be possible that a person can get [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing. Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible. At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). [https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims] are expected to be effective against [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform [https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html hand hygiene] by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.

===What do Funeral Home Workers need to know about handling decedents who had [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow [https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/standard-precautions.html Standard Precautions], including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a [https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf product with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims] expected to be effective against [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body bag. Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). Wear appropriate respiratory protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-postmortem-specimens.html#autopsy CDC’s Postmortem Guidance]. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. [https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims] are expected to be effective against [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform [https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html hand hygiene] by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled. Decedents with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases.
[[File:COVID-19 Illustration-Animation.gif|alt=COVID animation|thumb|COVID animation]]
===What should I do if my family member died from [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] while overseas?===
When a US citizen dies outside the United States, the deceased person’s next of kin or legal representative should notify US consular officials at the Department of State. Consular personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance to US citizens for overseas emergencies. If a family member, domestic partner, or legal representative is in a different country from the deceased person, he or she should call the Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services in Washington, DC, from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, at 888-407-4747 (toll-free) or 202-501-4444. For emergency assistance after working hours or on weekends and holidays, call the Department of State switchboard at 202-647-4000 and ask to speak with the Overseas Citizens Services duty officer. In addition,the [https://www.usembassy.gov/ US embassy] closest to or in the country where the US citizen died can provide assistance.

===My family member died from [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] while overseas. What are the requirements for returning the body to the United States?===
CDC does not require an autopsy before the remains of a person who died overseas are returned to the United States. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, some countries may require an autopsy. Sources of support to the family include the local consulate or embassy, travel insurance provider, tour operator, faith-based and aid organizations, and the deceased’s employer. There likely will need to be an official identification of the body and official documents issued by the consular office. CDC requirements for importing human remains depend upon if the body has been embalmed, cremated, or if the person died from a [https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/aboutlawsregulationsquarantineisolation.html quarantinable communicable disease]. At this time, [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] is a quarantinable communicable disease in the United States and the remains must meet the standards for importation found in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 71.55 and may be cleared, released, and authorized for entry into the United States only under the following conditions: * The remains are cremated; OR * The remains are properly embalmed and placed in a hermetically sealed casket; OR * The remains are accompanied by a permit issued by the CDC Director. The CDC permit (if applicable) must accompany the human remains at all times during shipment. ** Permits for the importation of the remains of a person known or suspected to have died from a quarantinable communicable disease may be obtained through the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine by calling the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 or emailing [mailto:dgmqpolicyoffice@cdc.gov dgmqpolicyoffice@cdc.gov]. Please see [http://www.cdc.gov/importation/human-remains.html CDC’s guidance] for additional information.
===What about imported animals or animal products?===

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation of live animals and animal products into the United States. [https://www.cdc.gov/importation/index.html CDC regulates] animals and animal products that pose a threat to human health, [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/ct_animal_imports_home USDA regulates] animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and [https://www.fws.gov/le/businesses.html FWS regulates] importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.

===Can I travel to the United States with dogs or import dogs into the United States during the [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] outbreak?===
Please refer to [https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/index.html CDC’s requirements for bringing a dog to the United States]. The current [https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/rabies-vaccine.html requirements for rabies vaccination] apply to dogs imported from China, a high-risk country for rabies.
[[File:Is COVID-19 like a flu? ENG.png|alt=FAQ's on COVID|thumb|FAQ's on COVID]]
===Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person in China. 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, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread [[Corona virus outbreak|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. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s [https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html Healthy Pets, Healthy People website].

===Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]]?===
You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], it is still recommended that people sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]] limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with [[Corona virus outbreak|COVID-19]], avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. 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 facemask.

===What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported (for example, by shelters, rescue groups, or as personal pets) from China?===
Animals imported from China will need to meet [https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/index.html CDC] and [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-and-animal-product-import-information/live-animal-imports/import-live-animals USDA
 
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