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Asthmatics urged to wear masks during ASPS demolition

Asthmatics and persons with respiratory conditions in the vicinity of the demolition of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, are being urged to take the necessary precautions including the wearing of masks. Photo: Internet Source
This is according to the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith in is release who said the demolition, which has started, is expected to be completed in an estimated two-week period and that she is encouraging asthmatics and persons with respiratory conditions living and working in the area to take precautions. Photo: GIS/Facebook
This is according to the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith in is release who said the demolition, which has started, is expected to be completed in an estimated two-week period and that she is encouraging asthmatics and persons with respiratory conditions living and working in the area to take precautions. Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Asthmatics and persons with respiratory conditions in the vicinity of the demolition of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School are being urged to take the necessary precautions including the wearing of masks.

This is according to the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley-Smith in is release who said the demolition, which has started, is expected to be completed in an estimated two-week period and that she is encouraging asthmatics and persons with respiratory conditions living and working in the area to take precautions.

As such, persons are being encouraged to wear a form-fitting mask to reduce inhalation of the dust that will be generated during the demolition and which will linger in the air even after the demolition period is over. 

Asthmatics are also being urged to ensure that they have their rescue inhaler on hand to administer in the event of an attack, “These air borne particles are small and may not be visible to the eyes but they can trigger an asthma attack, make it difficult to breathe and also irritate the eyes.”.

Persons urged to use alternative routes 

The Chief of Drugs said persons should also use alternative routes where possible to reduce exposure as as well as keep windows closed during the demolition period to reduce dust entering their homes, keep pets indoors, avoid hanging laundry outside and place floor mats inside all entryways. 

She added,  shoes should not be worn beyond entry door and should be cleaned on a daily basis during this time.

“We also want to take this time to encourage persons to hose down any outside furniture and surfaces every day around the house to reduce the pile up of dust,” Mrs. Wheatley-Smith cautioned.

 “If asthmatic, do not hesitate to go to the Emergency Room if experiencing prolonged difficulty in breathing especially after using the rescue inhaler(salbutamol).”

She also alerted the community to look out for cockroaches and other rodents that will be looking for a place to live as a result of the demolition.

8 Responses to “Asthmatics urged to wear masks during ASPS demolition”

  • Mote wastage by the inept goverment (08/04/2023, 11:50) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    Hardly anything was wrong with that school....That concrete was looking fresh and nice....The hammers had hell to get it break up....Al that needed was to put a new roof/floor on the building
    • @most wastage (08/04/2023, 14:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      I would have to agree with you. The structure in itself looked solid. All they had to do was replace the roofing and ceilings. On the other hand, they could be going off of what was reported to them. I would hope they would have gotten three opinions before going ahead with the demolition of the entire building. The place is so backward, no safety tips were posted prior to the demolition, only after. A joke.
  • Stupes (08/04/2023, 13:16) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    Why dont you hush hush if you have notjing to dam say.
    Dud you you see the condition of that place were your child going there,we always wait for desaster to happen ,,why you trying to makw this political,,,that schóol needefto come down , my daughter was an educator there the teachers live in fear hoping nothing happen while being there and children lifes at stake.....you are a morone that what you is
  • TO LATE (08/04/2023, 13:56) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look when they telling us after the damage is done!
  • ? (08/04/2023, 14:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is there asbestos in that building?
  • Nepotism (09/04/2023, 08:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    DEH PREMARE GEE HE BRUDDER AH JOB
  • useless (09/04/2023, 11:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Youall just crazy and irresponsible in this place. The contractor should have had in his method statement that he would be constantly wetting or sprinkling the debris and dust even when loading in the trucks to cart off. The stuff you people get away with there and how things are done just crazy. Anything goes

    If I don't clear my sidewalk on a snowday I get charged no matter my senior age.
  • WEW (09/04/2023, 14:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The cockroaches & rodents can move into the HOA with the others


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