As misinformation surface online that animals spread coronavirus is causing many pet owners to abandon their pets, actor Alia Bhatt on Tuesday took to social media to clear the misconception around the issue.

The 27-year-old actor posted a statement on Instagram in which she emphasised that "there is currently NO EVIDENCE" to suggest that pet animals can be a source of infection to humans." The 'Highway' actor also quoted the statement of Maharashtra's Health Minister Rajesh Tope's saying, "there is no case in the world of domesticated animals spreading coronavirus and people should not abandon their pets for fear of infection." She further urged the pet owners to maintain good hygiene including washing one's hands before and after handling animals as well as their food.