The global spread of novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has made pet owners worry about the well-being of household animals all over the world — and ask if pets can transmit the virus to humans.

Officials in Hong Kong have found that pets can test positive for the disease in low levels after transmission from their owners, according to The Associated Press (AP).

However, one official said, “There is currently no evidence that pet animals can be a source of infection of COVID-19 or that they become sick.”

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The announcement came after a Pomeranian was placed into quarantine after showing a weak, positive test for COVID-19. Officials said that pet owners are “are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices and to maintain a hygienic household environment.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated that same position in their advice to the public, saying that washing hands with soap and water after contact with pets “protects you against various common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.”

As of March 7, the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has passed 100,000, according to WHO.