Te Mana Ora (Community and Public Health) is warning
people to avoid contact with beaches, rivers and floodwaters
for two days.
Dr Matthew Reid, Canterbury Medical
Officer of Health, says the recent heavy rain has resulted
in added pressure on sewerage systems, and overflows into
many waterways.
“Flood waters may have been
contaminated with sewage and the most important thing to
remember when cleaning up is to practise basic hand
hygiene,” Dr Reid says.
“Always wash your hands
using soap after being in contact with contaminated water,
and after cleaning up areas affected by flooding. It’s
also important not to allow children to play in
flood-affected areas until the clean-up is
complete.
“In general people should avoid rivers and
beaches for at least two days after any significant rainfall
event. It’s not safe to drink water from rivers or use the
rivers or estuary for recreational activities.”
For
more detailed information on flooding and health please
visit the Manatū Hauora/Ministry of Health
website:
Flooding and Health
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