Coronavirus outbreak: New guidelines restrict entry of animals, birds in quarantine areas

Amid alarming swell in number of Coronavirus positive cases in country, government's latest guidelines state that presence of animals and birds in area where COVID-19 patients are quarantined can also pose a massive risk of spread of disease.

prevention of deadly infection in health ministry document released on Sunday emphasised on animals and birds to be prevented from entering a quarantine area, and any unnecessary activity should be stopped by security personnel including those of humans.

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“Separate fence needs to be raised around building to prevent entry of animals, especially dogs, monkeys, and even birds if possible. Well-informed and trained security personnel need to be deployed all around building on a 24x7 rotation basis to monitor facility and to avoid entry of undesired persons or animals and even birds for eating any food remains or droppings inside area,” read document.

Transmission between animals and humans

se guidelines have followed after reports of transmission of virus between animals and humans. re are reports of a pet cat in Belgium and two dogs in Hong Kong getting infected by ir owners who were COVID-19 positive, moreover, a tiger from a New York Zoo has contracted virus from its zookeeper.

“ guidelines have been drafted as per best practices followed globally regarding infection control during an outbreak of this nature. As it is an evolving situation, all previously issued guidelines can be modified based on change in data to meet rms of current available evidence,” a senior health ministry official said.

“To ensure that all health care personnel use personal protection equipment (PPE) as per guidelines, y need to be properly trained and assisted during wearing of PPE. Separate areas to be earmarked for PPE donning and doffing. Compliance for same should be ensured by a dal officer,” said health ministry official quoted above.

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surge in COVID-19 cases

nation is witnessing an alarming surge in number of positive cases every day. With nationwide lockdown in its 14th day, number of COVID-19 positive cases in India stands at 4,280, of which 111 have succumbed to infection while 3,851 cases are still active; 318 have recovered and been discharged according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As re is vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to treat COVID-19, countries including India have been grappling with all possible mechanisms to contain its spread. Centre and  State governments are trying ir best to contain virus but as virus is fast-contagious, social distancing and maintaining hygiene is need of hour.