Seven months after the Ministry of Health announced increased fines for property owners who refuse to comply with regulations to ensure properties and vacant lots are kept clean, no one has yet been charged.
According to officials, although several tickets have been issued to errant owners, there is a clause in the relevant legislation which allows the homeowner to write to the Health Minister requesting him to exercise leniency along with a stipulated period in which to ensure clean-up operations are effected.
Officials yesterday said that this had been done in the instances where the tickets were issued.
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced the increase in fines from $500 to $3,500 on February 12, as he warned owners of abandoned and overgrown properties that the ministry had stepped up its public campaign in the fight against the Zika virus.
Public health inspectors from the Ministry of Health as well as the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government have been mandated to carry out inspections and issue fines against delinquent property owners.
Zika cases now at 376
The Health Ministry also said yesterday the latest confirmed number of Zika cases was now 376.
Of this number, 11 cases have been recorded in Tobago; while the number of Zika-positive pregnancies now stands at 200.
It advised citizens to remain vigilant as four out of five infected people would not exhibit any symptoms of the Zika virus.
The public is urged to remember that only high-risk cases will be confirmed by CARPHA, with high risk being defined as categories inclusive of pregnant women; children under five years; people over 60 years; and hospitalized cases.
The ministry has given the assurance that efforts continue to be carried out to monitor and manage Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases.
The elimination of breeding sites is the best way to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, the ministry said.
Citizens have been encouraged to dispose of all unwanted containers/items in the yard or environs which can collect water and become mosquito-breeding grounds; to cover water containers such as barrels, drums or buckets with a mosquito-proof covering; ensure that drains and guttering allow for the free flow of water; empty and scrub the sides of water vases or use dirt or sand instead to support flowers; cover extremities when out in the evenings; use bed nets that are tightly tucked under the mattress for protection at night; and use insect repellent that contains DEET as an active ingredient.