He said animals like humans had the tendency to contract the virus and any closeness with an infected person would result in transmitting the virus.

Dr. Gbene, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said "if the virus is given to animals or pets such as dogs and cats, a reverse situation may occur and that could eradicate the gains in fighting the deadly virus".

The coronavirus –COVID-19 has affected over 350,000 people globally, and killed more than 15, 000.

In Ghana, the case count is 24 with one death.

Dr. Gbene urged those on self-quarantine to do well to also stay away from their pets

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has announced a raft of measures including the shutdown of schools, ban funerals, church services and closure of the borders to human traffic among others.