People should exercise caution and put their health and safety first when cleaning up after the recent flooding, according to National Health Insurance Medical Director Dr. Harlan Vanterpool.
In a statement this week, Dr. Vanterpool urged residents to use personal protective equipment such as gloves and facemasks to reduce exposure to harmful pathogens.
“Flooding can seriously impact the health and safety of residents,” he said. “While persons are still in the cleanup and recovery phase, we are asking that persons be mindful and always put health and safety first.”
Dr. Vanterpool added that water should be tested by the Water and Sewerage Department to confirm that it has not been contaminated.
“Residents should boil or disinfect all drinking water if they are unsure,” he added.
The medical director also warned against bathing at beaches that large quantities of floodwaters may have entered “as bacterial content may be above acceptable safe levels.”
He encouraged people to heed the advice of Premier Dr. Orlando Smith, the Department of Disaster Management and the BVI Red Cross.
Dr. Smith asked residents to assess and mitigate against further damage, while the DDM urged them to keep drains clear and overturn bins to prevent mosquito breeding.
The BVIRC called on residents to wear protective gear like gloves and dust masks while cleaning up to prevent illness caused by waterborne and airborne diseases.
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