While the world has been witnessing the coronavirus outbreak for over five months now, India has been recording the highest number of Covid-19 positive cases the country has ever witnessed in the last few weeks, despite the nationwide lockdown situation.

Following Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Rajashthan has registered the highest number of coronavirus cases as the number of positive cases crossed 25000 as on June 12. The state is now testing elephants for the viral infection in the city of Jaipur, which is home to 110 elephants. According to a report, 63 of them live in the sprawling complex of the elephant village and 50 live with owners in areas around the iconic Amber Fort. Four veterinary doctors had examimed 50 elephants on Thursday, the first day of a three-day check-up camp. "Swabs have been taken from elephants for the first time in Rajasthan. We will send the samples to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly," one of the doctors reportedly stated. Hathi Gaon Vikas Samiti president Ballu Khan has reportedly mentioned that the tourists who visit the city will feel more confident if the animals were tested, as nearly 8000 families are directly or indirectly dependent on the elephants.

"Testing the elephants for Covid-19 is part of the protocol. Samples were taken from their eyes and oral cavity," the veterinary doctor further added, stating that the test reports will be ready in ten days.