Spy poisoning: Diners told to wash possessions but health bosses insist risk 'very low'
New post
Spy poisoning: Diners told to wash possessions but health bosses insist risk 'very low'
Video:Advice for public as nerve agent traces found
Hundreds of people have been told to wash their possessions following the discovery of traces of a nerve agent in Salisbury - but health officials insist the risk to the public is still "very low".
Public Health England (PHE) issued "precautionary advice" a week after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a bench in the Wiltshire city.
This was in response to traces of a nerve agent being discovered at The Mill pub and the nearby Zizzi restaurant, both of which the pair visited.
Image:Traces of a nerve agent were also found at The Mill pub
PHE said those who visited the pub between 1.30pm last Sunday and 11.10pm on Monday, and the restaurant between 1.30pm on Sunday and 9pm the next day, should take action.
This includes: :: Machine washing clothes worn that day :: Double-bagging clothes worn that day which would normally be dry cleaned and wait for further advice :: Wiping possessions such as mobile phones, purses and wallets with baby wipes :: Hand washing jewellery
A source at Zizzi has told Sky News that the possessions and work clothes of staff were removed by authorities and burned in the wake of the poisoning.
Dr Jenny Harries, joint director at PHE England, defended the decision to issue the guidance a week after the poisoning.
Video:Fears and nervousness in Salisbury
She said: "It's really important to understand the general public should not be concerned. There is, on the evidence currently, a very low risk.
"We work with our colleagues here on a continuous risk assessment basis. When we get new information we continuously risk-assess groups of people who may have become exposed, from the evidence we have in front of us.
"As new evidence becomes available, we act on that immediately. Most people who will have been at the pub will have washed the clothes they were in.
"The immediate risk - we're not anticipating, on our current evidence, seeing new patients coming forward.
"This is about a very, very small risk of repetitive contact with traces of contamination that people may have taken out.
"The advice we're giving today about washing clothes - very simple things... that will remove that risk as we go forward."
Fewer than 500 people would have been in either venue, according to chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies.
She said: "Rigorous scientific analysis continues, but we have now learnt that there has been some trace contamination by the nerve agent in both The Mill pub and Zizzi's restaurant in Salisbury.
"I am confident this has not harmed the health of anyone who was in The Mill pub or Zizzi's restaurant.
"However, some people are concerned that prolonged long-term exposure to these substances may, over weeks and particularly months, give rise to health problems.
"I'm therefore advising - as a belt and braces approach - that people who were in [Zizzi's or the Mill during the specified times]... should clean the clothes they wore and the possessions they handled while there.
"This is precautionary advice aimed at only those people who were at the venues at these times, which I believe to be below 500 people."
Video:People 'do survive' exposure to nerve agents
Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter, 33, remain in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey - who was taken to hospital after falling seriously ill when he responded to the emergency - is conscious and in a serious but stable condition.
The pub and restaurant are among a number of locations that have been cordoned off across the city
Falafel is generally a scrumptious vegetarian choice, and it makes a good fundamental filling for a pita sandwich. Throw in a few new veggies and tahini sauce and you have a feast. Falafel can be delighted in at room temperature or warmed prior to appreciating. RECIPES 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 pita bread loaves 18 cooked falafel balls, from homemade or store-bought falafel mix 2 medium tomatoes, diced 1 medium cucumber, unpeeled and diced 1 medium white or red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 3 sandwich pickles, sliced, optional Tahini sauce, homemade or store-bought, to taste. PREPARATION STEP 1 Gather the ingredients. STEP 2 Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle to medium-high heat. Coat with olive oil and heat a pita round for 2 minutes on each side. The pita may begin to brown a little. Repeat with the remaining pita rounds, making sure to cut the top part to reveal the pocket after heating. STEP 3 Stuff each pita round wi...
Bella Shmurda honors Mohbad with ‘KPK’ performance in UK Nigerian singer and songwriter Bella Shmurda paid homage to his late friend and colleague Mohbad by performing his smash hit ‘KPK’ at a UK show. Mohbad, whose real name was Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, died in a car crash in December 2023, leaving behind a musical legacy that moved many people. Bella Shmurda’s rendition of ‘KPK’ was a heartfelt tribute to his buddy, and it revealed the strength of their bond. In a world where many forget their friends after becoming successful, Bella Shmurda’s act reminded us that true friendship is more than just fame and money. The crowd cheered and sang along to every word of the song. It was an emotional moment that demonstrated the influence of Mohbad’s music on people’s lives, and the admiration and affection that Bella Shmurda had for his friend. After the show, Bella Shmurda talked about his friendship with Mohbad, saying, “He was not just a friend to me. He was like a brother, and I miss h...
Julian McMahon Is Leaving CBS Drama Series ‘FBI: Most Wanted Julian McMahon, star of FBI: Most Wanted, is allegedly leaving the CBS wrongdoing show after very nearly three seasons. McMahon's last episode as unsaid specialist Jess LaCroix is scheduled to shoot one week from now and will air on March 8. To make up for the shortcoming left by McMahon's leave, the show is relied upon to present another person later this season. LaCroix is depicted as an "specialist's representative" and top of the group from the FBI's Most Wanted Unit which is doled out the most severe and confounded cases. As per Deadline, sources have said that McMahon moved toward the FBI: Most Wanted leader makers, including Dick Wolf and Peter Jankowski, about leaving the series early this season. "Throughout recent months, the makers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had conversations about my takeoff from the show for extra innovative pursuits and the progress of my personality Jess LaCro...
Nigeria is no stranger to heat waves, especially during the dry season. But did you know that these periods of extreme heat can affect not only your health, but also your economy and infrastructure? When the temperature rises above 40°C, it can be hard to keep cool and hydrated. This can cause serious health problems, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These can be life-threatening, especially for children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. Heat waves can also damage your infrastructure, such as power grids, roads, and buildings. When everyone uses more air conditioning and cooling systems, the power demand goes up. This can lead to blackouts and brownouts, which can disrupt your businesses and services. It can also increase your costs, as you have to pay more for electricity and maintenance. So how can you cope with heat waves and reduce their impact? Here are some tips: Stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m...
Comments
Post a Comment
comments below