Curious City - Pets And COVID-19: What You Need To Know

Chicagoans have become familiar with how COVID-19 is spread from person to person and what types of safety measures they should be taking during this time.

But WBEZ has gotten several questions from pet owners who are wondering about the risks to their furry friends, things like--are cats and dogs susceptible to the virus and who will care for my pet if I get hospitalized with COVID-19?

Scientists recently confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 in domestic pets- two cats and two dogs. But science journalist David Grimm says researchers, at this stage, believe the risk of transmission is low because the cell biology of animals is so different from humans.

Still, there are precautions people need to take.

In this episode, we explore how to best care for your pets right now, what to do if a pet owner gets sick with the virus and how our furry companions may also be responding to the emotional stress their owners might be experiencing right now.

More about our questioner


Dr. Samuel Farbstein is one of several people who asked WBEZ questions about pets and COVID-19. Samuel was wondering about whether his two dogs, J.C. and Benji, could possibly contract the virus and if they would be contagious if they did.

He’s an internist at DuPage Medical Group and has been reading all the medical literature about the novel coronavirus so he can up with his patients’ questions and concerns. He thinks J.C. and Benji sense he’s under an unusual kind of stress, and says they’ve tried to offer him some comfort.

“I [spent] 8 hours at my computer dictating yesterday and [both dogs] were basically at my side making sure I couldn't walk without stepping on them,” Sam says. “They knew I needed it; they know I'm under stress. They read us well.”

Jesse Dukes is the Curious City audio producer. You can follow him @CuriousDukes.

Curious City - Pets And COVID-19: What You Need To Know

Chicagoans have become familiar with how COVID-19 is spread from person to person and what types of safety measures they should be taking during this time.

But WBEZ has gotten several questions from pet owners who are wondering about the risks to their furry friends, things like--are cats and dogs susceptible to the virus and who will care for my pet if I get hospitalized with COVID-19?

Scientists recently confirmed the first cases of COVID-19 in domestic pets- two cats and two dogs. But science journalist David Grimm says researchers, at this stage, believe the risk of transmission is low because the cell biology of animals is so different from humans.

Still, there are precautions people need to take.

In this episode, we explore how to best care for your pets right now, what to do if a pet owner gets sick with the virus and how our furry companions may also be responding to the emotional stress their owners might be experiencing right now.

More about our questioner


Dr. Samuel Farbstein is one of several people who asked WBEZ questions about pets and COVID-19. Samuel was wondering about whether his two dogs, J.C. and Benji, could possibly contract the virus and if they would be contagious if they did.

He’s an internist at DuPage Medical Group and has been reading all the medical literature about the novel coronavirus so he can up with his patients’ questions and concerns. He thinks J.C. and Benji sense he’s under an unusual kind of stress, and says they’ve tried to offer him some comfort.

“I [spent] 8 hours at my computer dictating yesterday and [both dogs] were basically at my side making sure I couldn't walk without stepping on them,” Sam says. “They knew I needed it; they know I'm under stress. They read us well.”

Jesse Dukes is the Curious City audio producer. You can follow him @CuriousDukes.

The Gist - Miami and Mayor Suarez’s Plasma

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

On the Gist, Trump and Pence can’t be honest with the public.

In the interview, Miami Mayor Frances Suarez has fully recovered after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, and now is donating his plasma for use in an experimental treatment. He talks with Mike about his experience, what Miami’s reaction to the pandemic has been, and what he’s doing to push other parts of the government to take it seriously.

In the spiel, healing and physical proximity.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

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The NewsWorthy - New Mask Guidance, Unemployment Record & Free HBO- Friday, April 3rd, 2020

The news to know for Friday, April 3rd, 2020! 

We're talking about the expected new guidelines from the CDC to cover your face in public, and why the nation’s top doctors say it’s not enough.

Also, unemployment claims spike to a new record, and now we're learning more about when you might actually get that stimulus check.

Plus, The Patriots team plane put to good use, catch up on HBO shows for free, and it's "Feel Good Friday."

Those stories and more in less than 10 minutes!

Award-winning broadcast journalist and former TV news reporter Erica Mandy breaks it all down for you. 

Head to www.theNewsWorthy.com or see sources below to read more about any of the stories mentioned today.

This episode is brought to you by www.Care.com/newsworthy and www.MagicSpoon.com/newsworthy 

Become a NewsWorthy INSIDER! Learn more at  www.TheNewsWorthy.com/insider

Listen to The Jordan Harbinger Show 

 

Sources:

Current Death Toll/Case Count: Johns Hopkins

Dr. Birx on Social Distancing: Reuters, The Week

CDC to Recommend Everyone Wear Masks: AP, The Hill

More than 1 Million Reported Cases of Coronavirus: USA Today, The Hill

Supply Shortage: NY Times, Fortune

Defense Production Act for Ventilators: White House, White House, WSJ, CNN

Hoarded Supplies Distributed: NBC News, ABC News

New Unemployment Numbers: ABC News, CNBC

When Stimulus Checks Will be Sent: NBC News, CNN, WaPo

Committee to Oversee Emergency Aid: Politico, FOX News

Democratic National Convention Postponed Until August: CNN, The Hill

Wisconsin Primary: The Hill, Politico, Axios

FDA Approves New COVID-19 Test: FDA, CNN, NY Times

Changing Blood Donations Guidelines: FDA, Axios

Patriots Plane Transports Face Masks From China to Boston: CNN, WSJ

Bezos Gives $100 Million to Feed Families: The Hill, Vox

America’s Food Fund: AP, TechCrunch

HBO Free Streaming: CNN, TechCrunch, The Verge

SXSW Films to be Streamed For Free: SXSW, Engadget, EW

Feel Good Friday - Teddy Bear Hunts: USA Today, BBC

Listen to The Jordan Harbinger Show