6 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: Napier to reinstall public toilet soap

7:56 pm on 6 March 2020

Napier City Council will replace its public toilet soap dispensers to combat the Covid-19 coronavirus after removing them last year because of vandalism.

public toilets with mirrors, marble top, soap dispenser and a fan to dry

Photo: 123rf

The council said it would be spending $7000 on new soap dispensers for its public toilets so people could wash their hands properly amid concerns about the coronavirus.

The dispensers were removed or not replaced last year after many were vandalised.

New ones had since been ordered and a council spokesperson said they would be installed as soon as they arrived from overseas.

"A total of 78 have been ordered, 12 will be here very soon, there may be up to two weeks delay for the rest. There is a lot being ordered at the moment."

It would cost between between $1000 and $1200 a year to operate the dispensers at all the council's 47 public facilities, the spokesperson said.

Council staff were advised to wash their hands and cover any coughs or sneezes, as per the Ministry of Health guidelines, to avoid getting sick.

People have been advised to follow good handwashing procedures as the best way of preventing the spread of the disease.

  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)

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