Is it okay to use a plastic hide+covid concerns and gerbils?

[plutoeggs]

The only plastic items in eggs and plutos cage, usually, is a wheel and the water bottle. Above the surface there’s a whole bunch of cardboard (I learned they come out more when they can hide under a box with space under it) and a glass jar they sometimes go in. Two cleanings ago, I found a plastic container that used to hold nuts. I washed it out and Put it in the cage under the bedding (there’s about 6 inches above it). Last time I cleaned, I saw it had poop in it, some nuts/seeds, and only a few nibble marks. I often see them sleep together in there, and it’s nice to be able to look and see them as its up against the glass. 

i often see people say plastic is a big no no for gerbils. However, the glass jar is smaller and heavier, and if I put it under the surface they can’t really burrow under it (where it is now it’s supported by a platform). Is it okay to continue using the plastic container?

Also, at the moment I have covid-19. My gerbils are in my bedroom. Is it alright to continue to keep them in here and feed them? I also cleaned out there tank 3 days before I tested positive. This is the second time I’ve had covid with them as my pets.

pic of the new enclosure setup and the plastic container (it’s kinda blurry but there both curled up in there)- ibb.co/sbPfsgx
ibb.co/5Ly1dR5

[LilyandDaisy]

The plastic container should be ok if they aren't chewing it but chances are they probably will chew it at some point and since it's under the bedding you won't notice! Not all plastic is the same. Some plastic splinters into sharp pieces when chewed whereas other plastic just produces soft plastic shavings. The first type would be more risky.

I know how useful it is to be able to see into their nest. I have a wooden platform at the bottom of my tank which the gerbils often nest under. Perhaps you could find something similar, or if not, a wooden platform is quite easy to make. At the most basic you just need a piece of wood, four thick wooden dowels, and some non-toxic glue.

If moving them to a different room wouldn't be much hassle, you could do that, but lots of gerbil owners will have had Covid at this point and I haven't heard of any gerbils coming to much harm. You could limit your contact with them for a few days. Just feed them and change their water and avoid handling. Maybe keep the windows open when it isn't too cold for better ventilation.