A Pet dog of a Coronavirus patient in Hong Kong tested "weak" positive for COVID-19

Since testing positive for the virus a dog belonging to a woman with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been quarantined.

Hong Kong authorities announced Friday's news, saying that the dog's nasal and oral tests revealed "weak positive," said The New York Times and Reuters.

The dog had no signs of the virus prior to the tests and it remains unclear whether the pet is infected with the virus according to news outlets.

The dog reportedly belongs to a 60-year-old woman who developed symptoms on February 12 and later tested positive according to the sources.

There has also been insufficient evidence to support whether the virus can or cannot be transmitted to pets. Following the revelation, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (AFCD) announced plans to carry out further tests in hopes of confirming whether or not the dog is actually infected.

"The AFCD actually has no proof that pet animals can be contaminated... or that they can be a cause of people's infection," AFCD said in a statement from the publications.

Yet the dog must remain in Hong Kong quarantine for two weeks. There are 65 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Hong Kong as of Thursday, according to the South China Morning Post.

The United States on the Thursday Food and Drug Administration said six animal drug firms in China that import ingredients or produce finished products have reported that they are seeing supply chain problems that could soon lead to shortages.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that pet owners should avoid contact with pets and other animals if COVID-19 infected the patient. That involves "petting, snuggling, kissing or touching and food sharing."