The State Health and Family welfare department principal secretary today chaired a preparedness meeting to review gap analysis, strengthening of core capacity in area of surveillance lab support, infection prevention control arrangements for management of suspected/serious severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARI).
The State government has asked the authorities of Cuttack SCB, Burla hospital, Capital hospital, CDMO/PHO of Jharsuguda, directors of Bhubaneswar Airport and Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, CMO of Paradip Port Trust Hospital and GM of East Coast and South East Railway zones in the State to implement the following advisory at the earliest in public interest.
(Email id: dphorissa@gmail.com).
The move comes a day after the authorities laid out necessary precautionary measures to be followed in case of detection of the fatal viral disease that has triggered panic after claiming dozens of lives and infecting thousands in China.
Amid the outbreak of the disease, Odisha government has pulled up socks by issuing toll-free numbers - 0674 2390466, 9439994857 and also setting up a control room to streamline the management of detected cases of the viral infection.
As part of the preparedness, the government has opened up special wards for treatment of the suspected patients at all top hospitals of the State like SCB Hospital, Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and Burla in Sambalpur. Apart from that, a detailed directive has been sent to all concerned authorities of airports and railways to keep monitoring the situation, informed State Health Minister Naba Das.
https://youtu.be/sMft29bBfno
With as many as 11 different cases of suspected infection reported in India, the government has asked people not to worry but rather remain alert to detect the disease at the earliest by approaching the nearest screening centre set up for the purpose.
As per a health directive, if people who come across residents from east and south-east countries experience fever, cold and cough within 2 weeks of the encounter, they should immediately seek medical assistance.
Informing about the preparedness, Dr Sudarsan Thopal, Nodal Officer appointed for Coronavirus Infection and Control, VIMSAR said, "Two systems have been put in place, the first being isolation in which a patient will be treated in complete isolation from other people. Similarly, ICU facilities have also been made to cater to the needs of any critical patients."
A total of 138 Indians, including 132 crew and 6 passengers, were among the 3,711 people on board the quarantined ship that arrived at the Japanese coast earlier this month.
It was quarantined after a passenger who de-boarded last month in Hong Kong was found to be the carrier of the COVID-19 on the ship.
The Indian Embassy is in contact with Japanese authorities, the ship management company and Indian nationals on board the ship.
"We have continued our efforts with all of them for early disembarkation of our nationals after the end of the quarantine period and subject to favourable results of their tests for COVID - 19," an embassy official told PTI on Saturday.
A third Indian crew on board a cruise ship off the Japanese coast tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of Indians infected with COVID-19 to three.
The embassy has contacted all three Indian nationals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities.
"Their health conditions have been confirmed to be stable and improving. Embassy is also in constant contact with the relevant Japanese authorities to ensure the well-being of all Indian nationals on-board the ship," it said.
The embassy also sent an email to all Indian nationals on board the ship, assuring them of all help and assistance.
They are also requested to follow the Japanese government's health and quarantine protocols, the embassy said on its Facebook page.
The Japanese government on Thursday announced that passengers aged 80 or older will be given the option to disembark the ship if they test negative for COVID-19. Those who meet the age requirement and have pre-existing conditions or are staying in rooms without balcony will be prioritised for disembarkation.
No Indian national falls under this category, eligible for early disembarkation, the statement said on Friday.
The death toll in China's novel coronavirus epidemic climbed to 1,523 with 143 new fatalities reported mostly from the worst-affected Hubei province, while the confirmed cases jumped to over 66,000, health officials said on Saturday.
More than 580 cases have been confirmed outside mainland China and three deaths, one each in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.
The coronavirus outbreak originated in central China's Hubei province in December last year and has spread to several countries, including India.
Many countries have banned arrivals from China while major airlines have suspended flights to the country.
(PTI)
The WHO said countries should be "in a phase of preparedness" for a pandemic, when an infectious disease spreads easily from person to person in various parts of the world, the BBC reported.
More cases of the virus, which causes respiratory disease Covid-19, continue to emerge, with worrying outbreaks in South Korea, Italy and Iran.
However, most infections are in China, the original source of the virus, where 77,000 people have the disease and nearly 2,600 have died.
Over 1,200 cases have been confirmed in about 30 other countries and there have been more than 20 deaths. Italy reported three more deaths on Monday, raising the total there to six.
Worldwide stock markets saw sharp falls because of concerns about the economic impact of the virus.
China said it would postpone the annual meeting of the National People's Congress next month, to "continue the efforts" against the coronavirus. This is the first time the meeting has been postponed since 1978.
(IANS)
"This is for the attention of passengers who flew on AI154 Vienna-Delhi of 25th Feb 20. One of the passengers has tested positive for #coronavirus. Please follow the protocol notified by the Ministry of Health regarding Corona Virus," Air India tweeted.
With the threat of COVID-19 looming large, the government has tightened the entry conditions for the nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan with immediate effect. As per the revised travel advisory issued on Tuesday by the Union Health Ministry, new travellers from these countries will have to apply for fresh visas.
The passengers of all the international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to Health Officials and Immigration officials at all ports.
Passengers (foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must undergo medical screening at port of entry.
Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travelling to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.
(IANS)
"Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence this year, I have decided not to participate in any 'Holi milan' programme," the PM tweeted.
Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2020
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's example, BJP president J P Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said they will not celebrate Holi or hold any Holi Milan function in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
Countries across the world are making efforts to contain the spread of the disease, Nadda said on Twitter about an hour after the prime minister's announcement. Shah appealed to all to desist from celebrating Holi.
"The world is battling COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus. The countries & medical fraternity are jointly making efforts to contain its spread. Keeping this in mind, this year, I will neither celebrate Holi nor organise Holi Milan. Stay safe, Stay Healthy," Nadda tweeted.
Shah urged people to avoid public gatherings.
"Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family," he said in a tweet.
Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, i have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration this year.
I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself & your family.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 4, 2020
Modi earlier said he has decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme as experts have advised that mass gatherings must be reduced to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
"Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence this year, I have decided not to participate in any 'Holi milan' programme," the PM tweeted.
Holi is on March 10 this year.
(PTI)
A PHD scholar of National Institute of Technology in Rourkela named Vineet Kumar claimed to have designed the app which could help in self-screening of Coronavirus infection.
Speaking about his app, Vineet said, “The preliminary step for screening of the disease is thermal detection. So our application is based on an IR Sensor thermal camera which transcripts the whole body temperature of any suspected person to create a profile. It is then matched with the standard temperature profile of an infection-hit body to give us any first-hand information if the person has any abnormality.”
Also Read: Coronavirus: Govt Notifies Hand Sanitizers, Surgical Masks, Gloves As Essential Commodities
It may be noted that at present, the standard method of diagnosis for the Coronavirus is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) carried out on the nasopharyngeal swab or throat swab of an infected patient.
“Although it is a not a comprehensive testing method, it can be definitely used as a first-step identification of any suspected cases,” claimed the NIT scholar.
Further explaining the working of his application, Vineet said, “Basically we have synchronised a face-locker infrared camera with the standard profile containing detection parameters of a Coronavirus patient in our app. So when a person clicks a photograph using the application, if it shows green colour then the person does not have to worry but if the indicator shows red, the person should go for detailed screening as it may be a case of infection."
While endorsing the application for public use, Kumar said, “I hope that the government supports us and authorizes the app so that it can be installed for mass detection of suspected cases at major sensitive points like railway stations.
https://youtu.be/hr9yCPMTpgo
As part of the action plan, the government has constituted a high-level committee and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will directly monitor its functioning. The government will provide the latest update on Coronavirus to the people of the State at 4.30 PM every day.
“This is not a fight of one week or four, the CM has asked us to remain alert for at least six months. With the support of the public, we will go ahead with the fight against Coronavirus,” said Odisha government's COVID-19 spokesperson Subroto Bagchi.
https://youtu.be/N4CVuFLah9s
He said social distancing without panicking is the most important aspect in containing Coronavirus.
According to sources, IAS officers Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, Ms P Anvesha Reddy, Patil Asish Ishwar and Divakara TS have been posted as officers on special duty in the health and family welfare department in addition to their own duty till March 30 for enforcement of the ‘Odisha COVID-19 Regulation, 2020.
Meanwhile, Coronavirus outbreak has badly hit the business in the State with people preferring not to visit shopping malls and markets fearing contamination of the virus. The retail business has reportedly dropped by 35 per cent in the last couple of days rising worries of the traders.
Also Read: Coronavirus Advisory Issued For Cops In Odisha, Restrictions Clamped On Police Functions
Shopping malls in Bhubaneswar which usually witness heavy rush on holidays like Sunday, wore a deserted look today. Though some traders opened their shops and wore masks on their face, many shops remained closed.
“Huge rush is expected on Sunday, but no one is coming to the mall today. We will have to face a severe problem as we have to survive with no business. As the crisis will continue, there is chances of breakeven,” said Rahul Agarwal, a shopping mall businessman.
Arun Patra, store manager, Big Bazaar, Nayapalli, said, “We gave provided masks and hand wash to the staff.”
“I went to a shopping mall to buy a mobile. I saw the mall is deserted as no customer was around. People are so afraid that they are not coming out of their houses,” said Deepak Behera, a resident of Bhubaneswar.
Malgodown, which is the hub of business in Cuttack, also bore the brunt of the global pandemic. Traders who set up their shops here have reportedly not come to the place for the past couple of days.
https://youtu.be/8xarxXtUZeM
While the business establishments across the State do a business of Rs 400 crore every day, the figure has come down to Rs 200 to Rs 250 crore now. Traders attributed the low business to the closure of schools, suspension of classes in coaching centres and low marriage and other parties. They fear that if such a situation continues, it will hit hard the economy of the State.
Prafulla Chhatei, general secretary of Cuttack Chamber of commerce, said, “As the government has imposed restriction, the consumption of people has decreased which led to drop in purchasing. The crisis will become bigger in coming days.”
Also Read: Rourkela NIT Research Scholar Claims To Have Developed Coronavirus Screening App
Sudhakar Panda, general secretary of State Traders’ Federation, said, “The Odisha government is losing Rs 700 to 800 crore every day due to the crisis. If the situation continues, it will affect the economy and budget of the State.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a tweet advised people to adopt some safety measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. He asked people to keep away from social gatherings like marriage parties and religious congregation. The CM further advised people who visit to the outside state to give details by dialling tollfree number 104.
https://youtu.be/LdZYHZR4EOo
The district administration of Khurda, Ganjam and Gajapati on Sunday cancelled leaves of all government employees from tomorrow and imposed restriction on movement of tourists at various sites like Kalijai, Nalabana, Mangalajodi, Gandahati, Chandragiri. Similarly, prohibitory orders under section 144 of IPC have been enforced in Ganjam district to prevent public gathering in the wake of Coronavirus outbreak.
Top tourist and religious sites in Odisha including Sun Temple in Konark on Sunday shut their doors for visitors as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of novel-Coronavirus. Similarly, a slew of restrictions has been imposed in Puri Srimandir, the shrine of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar in the wake of the viral outbreak.
https://youtu.be/13IJSwixxIM
Meanwhile, the number of Coronavirus infections has risen to 107 in India. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan reviewed the status of actions taken by the states and Union Territories for prevention and containment of Coronavirus and directed officials to scale up the capacity of the round-the-clock control room helpline in view of an increased volume of queries.
India on Sunday offered $10 million to set up a common voluntary emergency fund for the members of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in view of the WHO advisory to avoid public gatherings.
https://youtu.be/8ZZKyV60sj4
Captain Virat Kohli said, "Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone."
Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 14, 2020
His limited overs deputy Rohit Sharma posted a video of himself in which he asked people to be "a little smart, a little proactive" and inform the nearest medical authorities as soon as they get any symptoms. He also lauded the efforts of medical professionals who have been in the frontline of the battle against the virus.
Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/2ABy1XUeTP
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 16, 2020
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also urged fellow countrymen to act responsibly and follow the guidelines issued by the health authorities in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
"As citizens, we have to act responsibly. We could follow simple steps to keep the coronavirus at bay. It is my request to everyone to follow basic guidelines to try our best to ensure we all stay safe," Tendulkar tweeted.
एक नागरिक के तौर पर हमारी कुछ जिम्मेदारियां हैं।
हम कुछ आसान से कदमों का पालन कर कोरोना वायरस (COVID-19) को दूर रख सकते हैं। मैं आपसे अनुरोध करता हूँ कि बुनियादी बातों का ख्याल रखें ताकि हम सभी सुरक्षित रहें। #IndiaFightsCorona@MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/vBYnEbYZ4C— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 18, 2020
Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has posted a series of tweets. He first said, "Sad to see everything coming to a standstill due to the #coronavirus. A big salute to the doctors, nurses & the police who are working round the clock to help people" He then posted a photo of him reading a book with the caption, "Stay positive and Read!" Rahane later posted a video of himself in which he asked people to stay safe in the wake of the pandemic outbreak.
Let’s all stay strong and take precautions to avoid the spread of #Covid_19. #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/YvwD5uKE5a
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) March 18, 2020
Ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged the people of Chennai to understand the importance of social distancing. "Let me rephrase it, social distancing doesn't seem to have caught the attention of the people in Chennai yet. The only reason could be their belief in the summer to curtail it or just faith that nothing will happen. #Coronaindia," he tweeted.
Let me rephrase it, social distancing doesn’t seem to have caught the attention of the people in Chennai yet. The only reason could be their belief in the summer to curtail it or just faith that nothing will happen. #Coronaindia
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 15, 2020
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said, "Urging everyone to stay safe, follow the precautionary measures suggested by the health authorities and in this difficult moment let's support each other. #coronavirus #COVID19"
Urging everyone to stay safe, follow the precautionary measures suggested by the health authorities and in this difficult moment let's support each other. #coronavirus #COVID19
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) March 14, 2020
Wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal posted a photo on his Instagram stories in which he is having a night out with a few friends while chinaman Kuldeep Yadav posted a statement in which he said: "The world today is going through a global crisis and my thoughts go out to those suffering in these difficult times. In this tough moment we all must come together, be united and be there for each other. A massive thank you to all the health professionals working tirelessly to make the planet a safer place."
Opening batsman KL Rahul said: "In these testing times let's stay strong and care for each other. Urging everyone to follow the instructions given by health experts and stay safe #coronavirus."
Also Read: Coronavirus Hits Cricket Events: IPL Postponed, SA Vs IND ODIs Cancelled
His fellow opener Mayank Agarwal said: "Wash your hands. Avoid crowded places whenever possible. Stay at home if you feel unwell. Don't believe every WhatsApp forward. Check @WHO for updates. Don't panic. Wash your hands. (Did I already say that?) Namaste."
Similarly, Suresh Raina also warned against spreading misinformation related to coronavirus and to follow health advisories.
"It's very important that we understand the need of social isolation to break the chain, don't spread information from unreliable sources, don't ignore the health advisories & for sure follow the hygiene measures," he had tweeted.
Read More: Coronavirus Impact On Indian Sports & Sportsmen
As of now, 147 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in India and three lives have been lost. While a 64-year-old coronavirus patient died at Mumbai’s Kasturba hospital on Tuesday, a 76-year-old patient from Karnataka’s Kalburgi died while being transported from one hospital to another.
Similarly, a 68-year-old woman from Janakpuri, admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, succumbed to the virus. She was the mother of a confirmed case of Covid-19.
(IANS)
Announcing the significant development, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Krishan Kumar said that after assessment of the situation following the implementation of the Odisha COVID-19 Regulations, it has been observed that suspending public darshan at the temple is necessary.
"The enforcement will remain in place till March 31 and thereafter any decision will be taken after further assessment of the situation," said Kumar.
"Even though general darshan will be suspended, the servitors will be allowed entry into the temple to perform all rituals of the Holy Trinity with necessary precautionary measures from frequent washing of hands to check-ups in case of any health issues. I urge that people should abide by all the directions of the government because they are meant for the wellbeing of the public," the temple chief administrator added.
In order to prevent any outbreak of #Coronavirus, general darshan at Puri Srimandir will remain suspended from tomorrow till March 31. However, the temple’s rituals will continue as per schedule: SJTA Chief Administrator Krishan Kumar #Odisha#OdishaFightsCorona #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/96LzmpetBs
— OTV (@otvnews) March 19, 2020
Entry of devotees into Shri JagannathTemple has been restricted frm 20.3.2020 - 1.4.2020. The decision was taken in the interest of devotees, Sebayats, Temple admin & police engaged for temple assignment after consultations with the servitors of Sri Mandir & the temple admin. pic.twitter.com/beQ8N5q4a6
— PuriOfficial (@Puri_Official) March 19, 2020
From Janta curfew to a complete lockdown, people in Odisha are extending their support in the best possible way to fight the Coronavirus. Amid a lot of information flow through print, electronic and social media, a lot of people seem a little confused on what should be their approach and what should they do during the lockdown period.
Odisha Police has come up with answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Question: What is meant by "lockdown" as imposed by Odisha government?
Answer: It is a situation where because of a public health emergency like COVID19 all public/private offices/shops/establishments are closed by law (except those exempted) and restrictions are imposed on the movement of people.
Question: Under which law the lockdown has been ordered?
Answer: It has been ordered under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
Question: In which districts the lockdown is applicable and till when?
Answer: It is applicable for entire Odisha till March 29. (It is like to be revised in view of the revised 21-day nationwide lockdown as announced by PM Modi yesterday)
Also Read: Zero Tolerance Towards Coronavirus Lockdown Violations: Odisha Govt
Question: What will happen if you do not obey the lockdown order?
Answer: You are liable to be arrested and prosecuted under section 188,269, 270 and 271 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
Question: Who are allowed to move from home to place of work?
Answer: Only those persons who are employed in the list of essential services are allowed to go for work. However, they should follow social distancing norms and not gather or travel in a group more than 7. All other citizens should remain at home and proceed to work.
Question: What should I do if I need to buy essential items?
Answer: Yes you may go to buy essential items to the store/shop in your locality. However to minimize chances of infection, either you should be alone or at the most accompanied by one family member and should follow the social distancing norm.
Question: Are religious/political/social/marriage gatherings allowed?
Answer: Any gathering in which seven or more persons are expected are not allowed.
Question: I am a businessman and my industry is not listed in the list of essential services? What should I do?
Answer: Approach your local Collector for resolution. However, you are advised to refrain from running industry if same is not categorized as essential services.
Also Read: Covid-19 Bomb Ticking In Odisha: 100 Have N-CoV Symptoms, 45 In Hospital Isolation!
Question: My child, parent or relative has to go to cities in other States for some urgent work or reach back home, what should I advise him?
Answer: Everyone should stay where they are till the lockdown is lifted.
As per the advisory of Odisha Police, people should contact State health department on 0674 2390466 or on mobile- 9439994857/ 9439994859 or dial 100 (police control room) for any COVID19 related emergency.
In a letter to all states and Union territories, CZA Member Secretary S P Yadav said the United States Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed COVID-19 in a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
"Zoos in the country are, therefore, advised to remain on highest alertness, and monitor animals 24X7 using CCTVs for any abnormal behaviour or symptoms," it said.
The authority said carnivores, especially cats, ferrets and primates, need to be carefully monitored and fortnightly samples of suspected cases be sent to designated animal health institutes for COVID-19 testing.
The samples can be sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease in Bhopal, the National Research Centre on Equines in Haryana's Hisar and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the letter said.
"Sick animals should be isolated and quarantined," it added.
No keeper or handler should be allowed in the vicinity of animals without safety gear, preferably personal protective equipment (PPE). They should have least contact with animals while providing them feed, it said.
Zoos have been asked to follow all bio-containment and safety measures required to handle the high-risk pathogen as per the national/ICMR guidelines, the letter said.
Also Read: 3 Elephants Fall Prey To ‘Herpes Virus’ In 25 Days In Nandankanan Zoo
"Zoos are advised to coordinate with designated nodal agencies of the government for public health response and permit screening, testing and surveillance as and when required by the nodal agency," the CZA added.
A four-year-old Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York has tested positive for the coronavirus infection.
The female tiger, named Nadia, is believed to be the first known case of an animal infected with COVID-19 in the US. It is suspected that she contracted the virus from a caretaker who was asymptomatic at that time.
The incident has raised concerns over whether the infection can be transmitted between animals and humans.
According to media reports, a Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong also tested positive for COVID-19 last month.
So far, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been spreading from humans to humans and there is no research yet to support human-to-animal transmission, experts say.
Still, they say, people infected with COVID-19 should limit contact with their pets.
The Union Environment Ministry also issued an advisory to states and Union territories, expressing concern about the transmission of the virus between humans and animals.
It asked the states and UTs to take immediate preventive measures, reduce human-wildlife interface and restrict the movement of people to national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves.
Zoos across the country have been shut following a CZA directive on March 13, with their administration taking precautionary measures while taking care of animals.
In India, there are 145 recognised zoos with over 56,000 animals, according to the CZA.
The Delhi Zoo or the National Zoological Park has asked its staff with symptoms such as cough, cold, fever to stay home. "We have been screening our employees at the gates. If they show any symptoms, they are asked to quarantine themselves at home," Delhi Zoo Director Suneesh Buxy said.
The zoo staff has been taking all precautionary measures. They wear gloves, masks and wash hands with soap frequently, Range Officer Saurabh Vashishtha said, adding that disinfectant is being sprayed in common areas.
There are around 1,100 animals, 30 attendants and around 15 animal keepers in the 188-acre zoo, he said.
The authorities at the Itanagar Biological Park are also taking extra care of their nine big cats.
"Food for the carnivores is treated properly before the animals eat it. Even the vehicles are sanitised thoroughly," Biological Park, Itanagar, curator Raya Flago said.
The zoo administration has not allowed any employee to go out of the park since the lockdown came into force. "We have also made it mandatory for the staff of the park to wear masks and other protective equipment while feeding the animals," Flago added.
Read More: Tiger Tests Positive For Coronavirus At New York’s Bronx Zoo