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Thai govt shuts zoo for 14 days to contain COVID-19 outbreak

This is a part of government's policy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic

Xinhua March 18, 2020

this is a part of government 039 s policy to contain the covid 19 pandemic photo afp file

This is a part of government's policy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

BANGKOK: Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday has confirmed the closure of all zoos for 14 days as a part of the government's policy to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The temporary closure will allow the zoos to go through a thorough scrub and sterilization," said Varawut Silpa-archa, the Natural Resources and Environment minister, "the 14 days closure also gives time to renovate areas inside the zoos."

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"I have also given the same order to the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Department to do the same that is to scrub, clean and disinfect facilities in all national parks," said the minister, noting that fewer people are visiting the national parks these days.

"It's a chance to revive natural resources and repair service points and accommodations. The parks will be ready to welcome tourists again after the Covid-19 situation is resolved."