This Airport Is Getting COVID-Sniffing Dogs

[Johnboy60]

The new coronavirus test at Finland's main international airport delivers results in less than 10 seconds—and has four paws. Helsinki Airport has deployed a team of dogs trained to sniff out the coronavirus as part the first large-scale trial of the the method, the Washington Post reports.

This Airport Is Getting COVID-Sniffing Dogs

 

[Gregory Thompson]

The new coronavirus test at Finland's main international airport delivers results in less than 10 seconds—and has four paws. Helsinki Airport has deployed a team of dogs trained to sniff out the coronavirus as part the first large-scale trial of the the method, the Washington Post reports.

This Airport Is Getting COVID-Sniffing Dogs

If dogs sniff Covid, do they also catch Covid? :o

 

[FireDragon76]

If dogs sniff Covid, do they also catch Covid?

According to the CDC, yes. But the risks of spreading it to humans appears to be low, and most cases in animals are mild and show little or no symptoms.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

 

[lasthero]

Hey, if it works, it works.

 

[wing2000]

Can I borrow one for my next trip to Target?

 

[Nithavela]

Considering dogs can actually catch covid, I'm not sure covid-sniffing dogs are a good idea.

 

[7thKeeper]

Dogs can catch it, but not as easily as cats for example as they don't have the same receptors as cats and humans and so far seems that they can't spread into humans. Also, I didn't read the linked article, but followed it elsewhere and the dogs sniff a sweat sample in a beaker, without being able to come in contact with the swab itself. From what I read, the method is pretty safe for the dog and the handler. The dogs by the way have caught their first few cases since starting on Tuesday.

 

[wing2000]

Considering dogs can actually catch covid, I'm not sure covid-sniffing dogs are a good idea.

I think the benefit outweighs the risk based on current information. Also, travelers voluntarily agree to swab their skin, which is then sniffed by the dog in separate space.

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

What if the dog is wrong?

 

[FireDragon76]

What if the dog is wrong?

I suspect that it will be confirmed through testing. This is just a method to quickly screen people.