FURTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED

Chronicle (Levin), 2 December 1947, Page 5

FURTHER RESTRICTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED

WELLIXGTOX, Dec. 1. Con'.menting today on the infantile paralysis epidemic, the Minister of Health said authority had been given to the medical offieer of health in every district, to take steps wherever he thinks necessary under 'section 76 ot the^ Health Act in which powers are given to control the movements of people and to prevent any specifled persons or elass of persons from attending gatherings of any type either 111doors or outdoors. The cpiestion oi travel will be determined within the next few days. The closing of the schools was with the objeet of allowing all children to be under the direct-supervision of their parents so -that if they should deveiop any of the svmptoms as outlined by the Health Department, they will seek immediate fliedical advice. It is to be hoped parents will themselves exereise discretion in allowing their children to attend places where there are any congregations of people. The Minister said restrietions will immediately be placed upon all gatherings as soon as there is anv evidenee of tlie advisabilitv of doing so. k The Minister intended to start last eyening on a tour of tlie northern hospitai board districts Iqat owing to the fact that it may be necessarv, in conjiinction with the Director-General ot Health, to make instant decisions 011 wavs and means of combating the spread of the trouble, she has decided to caneel the trip in the meantime, feeling that Wellington, as the headquarters of the Health Department, is the right place for hei to be.