Fisheries Ministry stops issuing permits to import animals from regions affected by coronavirus

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has temporarily stopped issuing permits to import animals from countries affected by Noval coronavirus.

In a statement issued today, the fisheries ministry said permits to import animals from affected countries have been suspended after World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed the outbreak originated from animals. The ministry noted the virus has been spreading rapidly worldwide, adding it is inadvisable to come in contact with live or dead animals that may have originated from an affected region.

Over 20,000 people have been infected with the Novel coronavirus, claiming nearly 500 lives. The virus has spread to 28 countries, although the vast majority of infections and deaths were recorded in China.