news CHANGES TO GOLDEN HOUR AND SILVER TIME As we progress to ‘Unlock the Rock’ the Government has noticed that the take up of areas used for Golden Hour and Silver time has reduced. However, for as long as there are people who wish to continue to avail themselves of safer spaces during this period, the Government will continue to
TOUCHING MACAQUES TO BE AN OFFENCE Interference with Barbary macaques has always been seen as detrimental to them, and the official line has for years been to discourage visitors from touching or otherwise interfering with macaque natural behaviour. Not only does it prejudice their health and social structure but macaques are prone to succumb to human disease. This has been seen in the past when our macaques have for example contracted Hepatitis A. There is also the possibility of human contacting infection through contact with a macaque.
provide them. There will be changes due to reduction of numbers but there continue to be wardens to ensure that social distancing is maintained. As from Monday 22nd June the following changes have been introduced: •
Victoria Stadium: Golden Hour will no longer be available at Vitoria Stadium. The take up at this venue is extremely low and there is a demand to provide sporting facilities for children in the mornings.
elsewhere have been known to be susceptible. Because of the low level of the virus in Gibraltar and of the prompt lockdown of tourist sites, it is virtually definite that the macaques have not contracted COIVID-19. We have to ensure that this continues to be the
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Commonwealth Park: A safe time will be made between 9.30am and 11.30am. During this time, access will be limited and made available exclusively to people who can avail themselves of Golden Hour and Silver time. Given the number expected, it is envisaged that there will be sufficient area to enable social distancing.
These arrangements will continue to be kept under review depending on numbers and demand.
case. Therefore this is the time to take action. The Government has therefore published a Bill to amend the Animals Act which will make touching or other interference with the natural behaviour of macaques an offence except under licence for management, research or veterinary purposes.
With the arrival of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the Government will be taking strict measures to prevent contact with the macaques. This is in order to minimise the risk of their contracting the disease and becoming ill or dying. Primates 10
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE JULY 2020
