Health Minister Urges Citizens Near Riverton To Take Precaution

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Fenton Ferguson, is making a special appeal to persons in and around the Riverton area, including Duhaney Park, New Haven and Pembroke Hall to take all necessary precautions, as the smoke from the fire at the Riverton City disposal site continues to affect the city of Kingston. “While we have made gains relative to the fire, the smoke nuisance is still creating problems and impacting our health services, so persons should exercise due care, especially regarding children and the elderly who are the most vulnerable,” he said.

In an interview with JIS News, Minister Ferguson said the Ministry is concerned about the level of exposure of persons who spend long periods outdoors. “I am making a special appeal to our schools and places of work where persons have to be outside and exposed to the elements and more so, if they have had exposure over the last three to four days, that great care should be taken to minimise time spent outdoors and that recommended precautionary measures be taken,” he urged. “From reports we are getting from advisors, other stakeholders and from the Meteorological Service, we could continue to see a weather pattern that could negatively impact our people. We are therefore asking for caution,” the Minister added.

He noted that the Ministry will continue to communicate with the public, giving information about how to keep safe and to mitigate against the negative effect of the smoke in affected areas.

“Persons from as far as Harbour View in the east to Linstead in the west could be affected if (weather) conditions remain the same, so while we are concerned about the immediate areas, particulate matter can still travel with the wind, so persons are being advised to use a damp cloth to cover the nose and mouth and in the event that a dust mask is used, the N95 mask is recommended,” the Minister said.