Washington, July 26 (RHC)-- The National Zoo in Washington, DC has partially reopened to visitors for the first time in more than four months, despite the capital's mayor expanding public health measures to fight the coronavirus this week.

The zoo requires visitors to reserve a ticket in advance, to keep the numbers down, and insists on mask-wearing for both the public and zoo workers.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, is a zoonotic disease that can transmit back and forth between humans and animals, said the zoo's deputy director, Brandie Smith.

In related news, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has said anyone coming into the District of Columbia from a coronavirus hot spot who is not travelling for essential activities will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

The order excludes neighboring Maryland and Virginia, Bowser said on Twitter.

Beginning Monday, July 27, anyone entering Washington, DC from a high-risk area who was not traveling for essential activities will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.  The order excludes Maryland and Virginia.