Star date: 15th April 2021

DON'T KISS YOUR FERRET!

Salford has 12 new coronavirus cases, the same number as the previous day's 12, while the seven day rate per 100,000 population now stands at 40.2, up from 37.5. There have been no new virus-related deaths announced by Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Government has updated its advice on COVID-19 suggesting that the virus may pass from infected humans to certain pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets. As such, you should "avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling if you're self isolating".

Full details here...

Salford has 12 new coronavirus cases, the same number as the previous day's 12, which brings the cumulative total of cases to 23,078. The seven day average of cases in Salford is now 104, up from 97, while the seven day rate per 100,000 population now stands at 40.2, up from 37.5.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, the seven day average of cases in Bury is 62 (down from 65), with a seven day rate per 100,000 population of 32.5 (down from 34); Bolton 145 (down from 147), with a rate of 50.4 (down from 51.1); Manchester 281 (up from 269), with a rate of 50.8 (up from 48.7); and Oldham 143 (up from 136), with a rate of 60.3 (up from 57.4).

Rochdale has a seven day average of cases of 139 (up from 131), with a seven day rate of 62.5 (up from 58.9); Stockport 119 (down from 121), with a rate of 40.6 (down from 41.2); Tameside 87 (down from 93), with a rate of 38.4 (down from 41.1); Trafford 78 (down from 84), with a rate of 32.9 (down from 35.4); and Wigan 155 (same), with a rate of 47.2 (same).

There have been no new virus-related deaths announced by Salford Royal Hospital.

Meanwhile, the Government has updated its advice on COVID-19 suggesting that the virus may pass from infected humans to certain pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets.

It suggests that you "wash your hands before and after any contact with your pet, its food or bedding", that you should "not share food with your pet" and you should "avoid contact such as kissing or cuddling if you're self-isolating".

You should also isolate your ferret for 21 days if you or your household is self-isolating, or if you have brought your ferret to England from outside the British Isles, although you can take it to the vet if it becomes poorly.

If you are walking a dog, it must be in a group of six or a group of any size from up to two households but you should stay two metres apart from anyone outside of your household or support bubble.

The Government advice adds that "If you walk your dog in areas used by other people, or with other dog handlers or people from outside your house, consider putting your dog on a lead so you can stay two metres away from others".