Welfare Checks for Communities Impacted by Fire Underway
Starting this afternoon, multi-agency teams from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, the Cayman Islands Regiment, and the Health Services Authoritywill be conducting welfare checks for residents of communities directly impacted by the landfill fire that started on Thursday, 16 April.
“Our main priority is to ensure the welfare of our people, especially those who were directly impacted by the fire,” asserts Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability. “Our administration has always taken a people first approach, and this is no different. The health and well-being of our communities are paramount, and our responsibility does not end at issuing alerts and guidance. We have to be proactive in offering assistance where it may be needed.”
“Smoke from the landfill may affect air quality in surrounding communities,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Wolf. “It is for this reason that we issued a public health advisory to provide the community with smoke exposure guidance, and why now multi-agency teams will also be conducting welfare checks in key communities impacted by the fire. We must ensure that residents can access care if they need it, and at the very least know when and how to access medical help.”
While the fire at the George Town Landfill has now been contained, individuals who were exposed to the smoke, especially those who remained in key affected areas overnight, should remain vigilant and monitor the following health symptoms:
- Persistent shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting
- Confusion, unusual drowsiness, or altered behaviour
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat, or coughing of dark or unusual sputum
“Anyone who is experiencing any of the above-named symptoms should seek medical attention immediately,” adds Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams Rodriguez. “Particular care should be given to individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, neurological conditions, or other chronic conditions that weaken immune systems, children and older adults, pregnant women, and those who are living alone or with limited mobility.”
Teams will be on hand from 3:00 p.m. on Friday, 17 April until checks throughout the communities are complete. The operation will be evaluated at the end of the day. Educational and support materials will be distributed to ensure information is readily available. Persons with health-related concerns can contact 949-8600 (option 2) for information. In the event of an emergency, residents are advised to dial 911.
