The Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur is set to reopen its doors to visitors on Sunday under health protocols after nearly eight months of a shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last-minute renovations and beautification work are underway to give a new look to the zoo which has been closed since Mar 20.
Circles have been drawn, each three feet apart, in front of ticket counters and warning banners emphasise the safety of visitors.
To maintain social distancing, visitors must use a one-way path with direction signs. Virus-related notifications will appear on digital screens inside the zoo.
Handwash basins have been installed at the entrance, while the visitors will be provided with soaps and sanitisers.
Disinfectants will be sprayed on the footpath used by the visitors, Abdul Latif, curator of the National Zoo, told bdnews24.com. Their temperatures will also be measured with a thermal scanner.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock had given permission to the Department of Livestock Services to open the zoo under a set of conditions, which included the setting up of a disinfection tunnel at the entrance. However, the tunnel was not installed by the zoo authorities.
CURBS ON VISITING HOURS
Although the zoo is reopening after a long break, limits have been set on the visiting hours and the number of visitors due to the ongoing pandemic. The zoo will now be open for six hours instead of the usual eight. Authorities may shut down the zoo once again if the outbreak worsens.
A maximum of 2,000 visitors will be allowed between 9 am and 3 pm a day. Before the pandemic hit, 8,000-10,000 people had visited the zoo a day.
Source: bdnews24.com
