COVID-19 has not directly affected the health of wild and captive giant pandas, says staff members of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. They added that there have been no cases of infection among all pandas in Sichuan Province.

Sichuan Province in southwest China was significantly affected by coronavirus. To ensure the health of the endangered species, the center formulated a series of prevention and control schemes.

During the period of high incidence rate of the infectious disease, staff provided nutritious meals for pandas to improve their immune system. In addition, based on the habits of pandas at different ages, the center carried out targeted measures to protect pandas in need of special care and those with pre-existing illnesses.

The virus, however, has indirectly affected the captive giant pandas. It was mainly reflected in food transportation, feeding and especially breeding, noted one panda keeper at the center.