SRHA heightens public health monitoring and education in southern parishes amid impact of Beryl

The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) says it has increased its monitoring and health education across Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth arising from the adverse effects of Hurricane Beryl.

Regional Director for the SRHA, Michael Bent, says the health team, including public health inspectors, health education officers, community health aides, vector control officers and other support team members, has been engaged in a series of environmental health interventions to ensure that the public remains safe and to mitigate against any negative outcome.

“The Southern Regional Health Authority is encouraging all residents to be vigilant and alert in safeguarding their health and report any practice or activity that would compromise the health of the public to the nearest health department, the Southern Regional Health Authority or the Ministry of Health and Wellness,” said Bent.

In the meantime, Regional Health Environmental Officer, Carleen Hennie, noted that it is important that residents take food safety seriously during this period.

She pointed out that some important tips are:

1. Purchase meats and seafood from certified outlets in a frozen state, not thawed, discoloured or with foul or unusual odours.

2. Vegetables and ground provisions should have fresh, firm appearance, free from odours, chemicals, discolourations, and signs of being water soaked.

3. Canned foods should be labelled, not bloated, dented or rusted.

4. Inspect items in glass bottles for any visible cracks or damage.

5. Always purchase fresh meat from a license butcher. Verify that the meat has a stamp on it.

6. Only use treated water for food preparation and handwashing.

7. Only purchase food from licensed food handling establishments that have met minimum Public Health Standard (depicted by a pink certificate posted inside the food establishment).

8. When grocery shopping, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and any drainage from these items away from other foods.

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