So far, Gibraltar has been largely spared from Corona. Because one is concerned about the health of the native monkeys, there is now a special measure.
- For many people, the most famous residents of Gibraltar are the monkeys.
- The coronavirus , the small country has been largely spared south of Spain.
- However, special measures are now being taken to protect the macaques from infection.
Gibraltar - With just 161 known Covid-19 cases * and 30,000 inhabitants, the effects of the Corona pandemic on Gibraltar have so far been fairly manageable. To this end, the British enclave south of Spain is now taking a special measure to protect the country's well-known inhabitants from being infected.
Corona danger for Gibraltar monkeys: ban on contact for tourists
Because in addition to the approximately 34,000 inhabitants, it is primarily free-living monkeys that have their home at the famous rocks of Gibraltar . Therefore, the authorities have now issued a ban on touching the macaques (such as the monkey species) to protect them from being infected with the corona virus *.
Gibraltar bans people from touching its monkeys, for fear they could catch coronavirushttps: //t.co/PTblO5xyEM pic.twitter.com/9pdERQHloC
- BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 30, 2020Because as researchers have now found out, the Sars-CoV-2 is also transferable to monkeys . "The measure is intended to reduce the risk of infection," said the government of the country bordering Spain. As a result, there are high penalties for people who violate the rules and feed the Gibraltar monkeys, for example .
After all, the macaques are the most famous tourist attraction for the country, impressions with the furry animals are a must for most tourists in Gibraltar . There is also a saying that if the monkeys leave the rock, Gibraltar will no longer be British. However, there are exceptions to the petting and feeding ban - for example for researchers or veterinarians.
Gibraltar monkeys with corona? "Practically safely infected with Covid-19"
That one of the famous monkeys has been infected with Covid-19 * so far is considered impossible. "Because of the small numbers and the rapid closure of tourist attractions, it is practically certain that the macaques have not contracted Covid-19," the government said.
Britain's exit from the European Union is of greater concern to Gibraltar than Corona :
According to rumors, dogs and cats are also said to transmit the disease - with massive consequences for pets in China *.
PF
* Merkur.de is an offer from the nationwide Ippen Digital editors network
