The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens will reopen its mammals section to the public starting Friday after its grounds and personnel tested negative for bacteria that led to the deaths of 12 monkeys last month, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said Wednesday.

The LCSD said in a statement that it has taken multiple preventive measures to ensure the safety of the public, the animals, and the zoo’s staff members, including thoroughly disinfecting and cleansing the animal cages.

“Bacterial tests for staff have shown negative results, while samples collected from surrounding soil and water have also tested negative. The animals and staff taking care of them are in normal health conditions,” the LCSD said.

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“To ensure the safety of visitors, staff and animals, rigorous environmental hygiene management measures and work guidelines will continue to be implemented in the HKZBG,” it added.

The LCSD said visitors should follow the safety instructions in the park and avoid touching, feeding or throwing anything to the animals.

“Hand-washing facilities are provided in the park for visitors to keep their hands clean. Persons feeling unwell should not visit the park,” it added.

Twelve monkeys died at the zoo last month from sepsis caused by melioidosis, a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which can infect both humans and animals through contact with contaminated soil and surface waters, authorities said.

READ MORE: Bacterial infection behind deaths of nine monkeys in HK zoo

The HKZBG is the city’s oldest park which was opened to the public in 1871. It occupies an area of 5.6 hectares and houses about 158 birds, 93 mammals and 21 reptiles in about 40 enclosures.