“Immediately, and in close coordination with the health delegate of the Local Health Unit of the Aveiro Region, all technical and sanitary procedures provided for these situations have been activated and are ongoing,” highlighted an official.
According to the municipality of the Aveiro district, although the bacteria was detected, the changing rooms continue to be used, except for the area designated for showers.
“The decision regarding the use of the changing rooms was jointly made between the aforementioned public health authority and the Municipality, with the absolute priority being the protection of users’ health, allowing the continued use of the Municipal Pavilion due to the lack of alternatives for Physical Education classes of the Bairrada Schools Group and the Professional Institute, as well as for the training and competition activities of sports clubs that usually utilize this facility,” the statement indicated.
Currently, users “are taking showers at other facilities within the Municipal Sports Park, located near the pavilion.”
“Furthermore, the Municipality continues to implement the necessary corrective measures, in accordance with the health authorities’ guidelines, ensuring rigorous monitoring of the entire process to guarantee a safe and healthy environment in all its facilities,” it stated.
The Municipality of Oliveira do Bairro further emphasized that all applicable legal standards in this area have been “strictly complied with,” with the aim of ensuring the “well-being and safety of its citizens.”
Legionella is a bacterium that can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ Disease (a type of pneumonia) and is present in aquatic environments: in domestic water systems, hot tubs, and swimming pools, but also in nature, in rivers and lakes.
