New Delhi: The Coronavirus outbreak has brought the world to a standstill, forcing the people to stay at home. People from all walks of life are observing social distancing in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Rumours were rife that the Coronavirus could spread to humans from their pets. There are reports that some owners have abandoned their pets due to the fear of infection. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope had refuted all the rumours in his statement and asked the pet owners to not believe them.

Bollywood celebs including Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma have also requested the people to not leave their pets in the crisis. Alia, last seen in ‘Kalank’, shared a post on social media about the facts related to COVID-19 and animals.

“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 news has been rampant of people abandoning their pets as well as killing or euthanising animals for fear of catching the virus from them. There is currently NO EVIDENCE to suggest that pet animals can be a source of infection to humans. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said that there is no case in the world of domesticated animals spreading Coronavirus and people SHOULD NOT ABANDON THEIR PETS for fear of infection. Pet owners - maintain good hygiene, including washing your hands before and after handling animals as well as their food and if you're sick avoid direct contact with them,” the post read.

Alia asked the people to maintain proper hygiene while handling their pets. She wrote, ‘love them, Care for them’.



Anushka Sharma also posted a message on her Instagram story and requested everyone to not abandon their pets. She wrote, "It's a humble request for all pet parents to not abandon their pets during these times of crisis.

 (Source- Instagram)

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to combat Coronavirus pandemic. He made a fervent appeal to the people, asking them to stay indoors and practice social distancing.

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