Press release - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Directorate for Health informs that an environmental investigation was carried out with the collection of thermal water samples at the Caldeira Velha, Poça da Dona Beija and Parque Terra Nostra thermal baths, São Miguel Island.  

The samples taken were tested at the National Health Institute (INSA), and the results indicated microbiological contamination. As such, good public health practice requires that when the result of microbiological testing of water is unsuitable for its intended purpose, measures must be implemented to guarantee the safety of the population.

Therefore, according to the "Precautionary Principle," it was decided to implement the following measures in the sites identified above:  

1) Determine the closing of the aforementioned spaces; 
2) Exclude the public from the bath areas; 
3) Carry out shock disinfection; 
4) Carry out the draining, cleaning and disinfection of pools; 
5) Review control and risk assessment measures; 
6) Carry out new tests after the pools are refilled;
7) Maintain the closure of the said spaces until the risk assessment has produced satisfactory results.   

These instructions have been issued to the managing entities of the spaces in question, which are collaborating in an active and committed manner. 

 The Regional Directorate for Health will continue to monitor the situation, applying any measures that may be necessary in defence of public health and ensuring adequate monitoring so that these spaces continue to be frequented as safely as possible.