Health Minister Urges Vigilance On Food and Water Safety Ahead of Tropical Storm

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is reminding the public to exercise caution regarding the quality of food and water consumed during and after Tropical Storm Melissa.

He notes that contaminated sources often result in gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhoea and dehydration, which can be difficult to manage during storm conditions and may require hospitalisation through Accident and Emergency (A&E) services.

As a precaution, Minister Tufton is urging individuals to stock up on non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, and sufficient drinking water to sustain themselves throughout the storm’s passage.

“So whether its water or food, the advice to minimise this challenge would be store your non-perishables. The easier you can access those non-perishables, the better it is [even] if you have to live on that for a few days,” he emphasised during a special briefing on preparedness for Tropical Storm Melissa at Jamaica House on Friday (October 24).

Dr. Tufton further advised persons to secure an adequate supply of drinking water, whether through the National Water Commission (NWC) or by purchasing bottled water, to last for several days.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Matthew Samuda, who also addressed the media on Friday, stated that the NWC has suspended service disconnections during this period to allow customers to fill household storage containers.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tufton cautioned parents to ensure that children avoid puddles during and after the storm, noting that such water sources may be contaminated and pose health risks.

He also advised adults to avoid hazardous activities, such as attempting rooftop repairs during rainfall, which could lead to serious injury and require hospitalisation.

“You really are best advised to avoid those risky endeavours. During the rains, going out or going on elevations, trying to repair or replace [things exposes you to], lightning [and] falls [which could require treatment in A&E]. So we certainly advise against that,” Minister Tufton stated.

Additionally, he encourages individuals who rely on medication, particularly senior citizens and those managing chronic conditions, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), to secure at least a week’s supply to maintain health stability during the storm period.

Dr. Tufton urges members of the public to contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness at 888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683) for further information and guidance.