KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief Public Health Inspector for Manchester, Charmaine Palmer-Cross, is warning that people who refuse vector control workers access to their properties can be charged a maximum fine of $1 million, while those who do not take steps to rid their premises of mosquito breeding sites can be charged a maximum fine of $500,000.

Palmer-Cross highlighted the fines in a statement in which she urged residents to cooperate with vector control workers in a bid to reduce the impact of mosquito breeding sites and mosquito-borne diseases in Manchester.

She noted that the Public Health Act gives Public Health Inspectors the power to enter premises to execute vector control activities but said the health team is faced with the challenges of people refusing access to their premises and not taking responsibility for mosquito breeding sites on their premises.

The refusal of entry, she said, is despite the vector control workers being properly identified.

Her appeal for cooperation follows recent reports from Minister of Health, Dr Christopher Tufton, who disclosed that vector control workers have been denied access to up to 40 per cent of homes they have visited.

Tufton said, in some instances, vector control workers have been stoned and refused accessed to carry out assessment and treatment on properties.

Palmer-Cross said more than 100 permanent and temporary vector control workers in Manchester have been working assiduously educating residents, inspecting and destroying mosquito breeding sites, distributing drum covers to householders and conducting increased fogging (adulticidal) activities.