Covid 19: National parks and wildlife sanctuaries closed in the country

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has ordered the closure of all national parks and sanctuaries in the country. The ministry has asked forest officials to take adequate measures to prevent the transmission of the virus from humans to animals, including tiger sanctuaries, which will remain closed until further notice.

The move comes amid reports that several lions have died from the covid virus. An order has also been issued to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the disease to wildlife. The order states, “There are reports of transmission of the disease (in humans) from people with and without symptoms, and people with covid-19 may or may not show symptoms.” Covid must be negative when field workers go on duty, strictly adhering to instructions such as maintaining social distance, wearing a mask, proper screening, and regular hygiene. ”

A Rapid Task Force will be set up with an emphasis on essential services for the immediate treatment of animals and their safe release to their natural habitat. Wildlife wardens have been asked to abide by the rules laid down by the Home Ministry and to monitor the movement of villages around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India.