May 04, 2021 – In a fresh order issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change all national park and sanctuaries will be Closed until further orders with Immediate effect. The order came after 8 lions were reported positive for coronavirus in Hyderabad Zoo.
The Ministry has also asked related officials to take all possible steps to reduce transmission of covid-19 virus from humans to animals or animals to humans.
The order was signed by Mr Rakesh Kumar Jagenia (Deputy Inspector General of Forest, Wildlife), The Chief Wild Life Wardens of all states and union territories have been advised on containment and management of COVID-19 and have been asked to reduce human-wildlife interface.
“There are reports of transmission from both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers (human beings) of the disease and COVID-19 affected persons may or may not exhibit symptoms, field functionaries must be COVID-19 negative when they are deputed for duty and should follow COVID appropriate behavior such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper screening, regular sanitization etc,” the order mentions.
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