Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

As previously reported, and due to the microbiological contamination detected, the Poça da Dona Beija, Terra Nostra Parque and Caldeira Velha pools were closed on July 26 on the advice of the municipal health departments of Povoação and Ribeira Grande.

In addition to closing the pools and barring visitors from the areas in question, instructions were also issued to proceed with shock disinfection, drainage, cleaning and disinfection of the pools, which was promptly carried out by the entities that own or manage these spaces.

Yesterday, with the collaboration of the local health authorities and the São Miguel Island Health Unit (USISM), samples were taken from the thermal waters banned in the municipality of Povoação, and in Caldeira Velha this is expected to take place tomorrow. This delay was due to the need for a repair that precedes the filling of the pool for later sampling.

All the samples were properly packaged and immediately sent to INSA - National Health Institution (Lisbon).

The results are now awaited for a revision of the control and risk assessment measures, which are expected to take place within a week. The pools will only open again once the safety of users has been guaranteed.

The Regional Directorate for Health praises the commitment and collaboration of the organisations managing the spaces in question, the local health authorities and the environmental health technicians involved.

The Regional Directorate for Health also informs that it will continue to monitor the situation, in conjunction with the competent national and regional entities, implementing the measures deemed necessary for the defence of public health, and ensuring adequate surveillance, so that the frequency of these spaces is resumed as safely as possible.