Canterbury District Health Board Media Update

Canterbury District Health Board Media Update

Extensive damage to underground sewerage and water systems has the potential to cause major public health issues for Canterbury people.

Councils in affected areas are working hard to re-establish services, checking structures and water safety.

In the meantime, people need to take the following advice to avoid getting sick with stomach bugs and other illnesses.

1)People living in the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts should assume at the moment that tap water is unsafe and contaminated. All tap water should be boiled for three minutes before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.

Councils will be testing water supplies intensively over the next few days and will advise when water is safe to use without boiling.

2) Avoid contact with sewage. Assume river, sea water and any other surface water is contaminated with sewage. Do not swim, fish or gather shellfish in the sea or Canterbury rivers until notified.

3)Use as little water as possible to flush your toilet if you have water. If you don’t have water, make a temporary toilet with a bin lined with two plastic bags. Cover the bin between uses. The contents can be buried when the bin is no longer needed.

4)The Civil Defence controller and Canterbury Medical officer of Health have declared that public buildings including schools in the affected parts of Canterbury should not be entered until 9am Wednesday morning unless they have been declared safe by an engineer.

5) Remember handwashing stops diseases spreading. If you do not have water, alcohol gel is a good alternative. You do not need to dry your hands if you use alcohol gel.

6) It is important for people to look after each other. Keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.

7) If you are unwell with a minor injury or illness and need medical assistance call your General Practice or nearest after hours surgery. Please keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only. If you need an ambulance dial 111.

ENDS