COVID-19 or Coronavirus

What the COVID-19 is NOT

One must note the current COVID-19 virus is not comparable or the same as other forms of coronaviruses (i.e., kennel cough). Although this virus can be transmitted between species, a study published in February of this year from Hong Kong, where a dog tested “weak positive” for the virus, reassured many pet parents and individuals working with animals that dogs are a low-level risk of passing the virus to humans, but it has been suggested to avoid being kissed and licked by pets or canine patients for the time being to increase protection for yourself and others.[5]

Tips & Action Plans from the experts

During these times, when information about the virus is still developing, individuals can become frightened and begin seeking out precautions they can take to protect their communities from the spread of this virus, and business owners and employees feel an added responsibility. Please find Black Diamond Radio’s recommendations and suggestions compiled from experts (CDC, OSHA, University of Illinois, and Boston University Medical Campus) to keep your business and customers safe below:

Utilize your radios by creating a concierge and valet service. Instead of having pet parents bring your furry patients into your clinic, have a team member ready and waiting to provide a curbside service to meet your patient outside and bring them into your clinic or hospital. This will help to safeguard your staff, as well as other patients and their family members.

Limit contact between animals until more about the virus is known. Along with a concierge valet service, provide parents and family members a sense of security by limiting contacts between animals.

Provide COVID-19 cheat sheets to your staff with information to share. Information overload can occur during outbreaks of illnesses, but the information people receive may not always be correct. Make sure your staff is equipped with cheat sheets and a single point of contact within your office to provide your customers with the most accurate information and the ways your staff is working to mitigate the risks of the virus.

Communicate safety and infection protocols with your staff clearly. Ensure your staff is all on the same page by having clear and concise information about safety protocols and disinfecting and cleaning procedures. Personal cleanliness and surface cleaning suggestions include[6]:

• Washing your hands throughout the day for a minimum of 20 seconds and remembering to wash your hands anytime you have interacted with the public or after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
• Using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
• Immediately throwing away tissues instead of keeping them in a pocket
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day, including commonly forgotten about surfaces such as: clipboards, pens, door handles and knobs, touchscreen devices, and light switches.

Ensuring your animal-safe cleaning and disinfectant products align with the OSHA surface cleaning recommendations, which can be see through the following link: OSHA – COVID-19 Control and Prevention