Anti-disease drive in markets

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) plans to spray the island’s fresh markets with germicides frequently this summer with the aim of preventing diseases. Somboon Aiyarak, from the PPHO, told the Gazette “Stomach illnesses such as diarrhea spread very quickly in the summer – we have problems almost every year. So we should try to provide some protection for people.” The PPHO will work with local authorities to spray chemicals around fresh markets, including in public toilets, vendor areas and garbage collection areas. “The whole market needs to be cleaned, including the walls, floors, water channels and all equipment,” K. Somboon explained. He urged vendors and customers in markets to assist in the effort to prevent the spread of germs. Specifically, he said, vendors should not let food sit on counters for too long as it will attract flies. People should also wash their hands before eating and after using a toilet. He also emphasized the importance of drinking purified water.