Manhattan shelter forced to relocate animals due to COVID-19 outbreak

A Manhattan rescue shelter has been forced to relocate its animals after a COVID-19 outbreak caused a staffing shortage.

Animal Care Centers of NYC said it temporarily closed its Harlem location Wednesday due to staffers self-quarantining over the coronavirus cases.

“We are taking immediate measures to transport animals to other ACC locations and rescues, diverting owner surrenders and bringing in staff from partner organizations to offset our continued staffing challenges,” the city-run animal shelter said in a statement.

The shelter also said the location was limiting the intake of animals to ones that are critically injured or ill.

In an email to fosters, the rescue group called for help with the “emergency situation.”

“While we have staff from other departments pitching in to help, we are unable to properly care for the animals with such little human power,” the email obtained by The Post said.

“We are in a desperate circumstance and asking if you are willing and able to foster a dog in need.”

The shelter said Wednesday that the critters were also being taken in by other partners, including Animal Haven, Best Friends Animal Society and Sean Casey Animal Rescue.

ACC has not said whether any of the furry friends housed at the shelter were experiencing coronavirus symptoms.

Though cases are rare, the virus has sickened more than two dozen pets in the US.

A German shepherd in Staten Island who was the first dog to test positive died from the virus back in July.