A recent Spanish study looked at everyday situations involving risks of coronavirus contamination. Going shopping, having it delivered to your home or going out for a dog walk, what is the most dangerous situation?
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Spain experienced a first strict lockdown between mid-March and early May 2020 . However, while France began its second confinement on October 30, Spain did not make this kind of decision. However, a recent survey suggests that six out of ten Spaniards are ready to endure a new confinement if necessary. In a study to be published in the journal Environmental Research in January 2021, researchers from the University of Granada (Spain) established a ranking of everyday situations in terms of the risk of infection. The leaders of the study surveyed 2,086 people on their activities during the first confinement.
According to the results, living with an infected person increases the risk of infection by 60%. Going to work instead of working remotely is synonymous with a 76% increase in risk. Having a dog and taking it for a walk is associated with a 78% increase in risk . The most dangerous situation for researchers is none other than the delivery of goods to homes. In this case, the risk of infection increases by 94%! It is indeed less risky to go shopping yourself.
Given the results, owners of dogs or other animals might understandably be concerned. According to Cristina Sánchez González, co-author of the study, the information currently available does not allow us to formally affirm that the dogs are themselves carriers of the virus . It is also impossible to tell whether owners are infected by certain contaminated objects that they are more likely to use. The expert suggests that dog owners may be less vigilant when it comes to hygiene measures. In addition, they are potentially brought to more social contacts in the event of a walk. The researcher even mentions the possibility that the virus is present in the stools of dogs.
While several studies believe that dogs can test positive for coronavirus without developing symptoms , a new mutation of the virus has been cause for concern. Nevertheless, in an April 2020 study, the Institut Pasteur concluded that dogs are not easily infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even in contact with infected owners. In any case, pets would represent a weighty support during episodes of confinement. According to a British study published in October 2020, animals allowed people to keep their spirits up during the first confinement, and therefore to preserve their mental health.
