Official Epidemic Bans In N.Z. Are Not Widespread

Northern Advocate, 13 January 1948, Page 4

Official Epidemic Bans In N.Z. Are Not Widespread

BANS imposed to restrict the spread of infantile paralysis are not as numerous as many people think. The: only official bans concern the attendance of children at gatherings and journeyings between North and South Islands. The position was explained by the Northland medical officer ,of health (Dr J. L. Newman) today.

Many Northland people had rather curious -ideas of the number of bans 1 imposed, said Dr Newman. •p One person had asked him if it was necessary for a travel permit to be obtained before undertaking a journey while another had informed him that children jwere being banned from hotels.

He emphasised that travel permits were not necessary, except between North and South Islands, while no ban against children being accommodated at hotels had been imposed. The only official ban prohibited children under 16 from attending schools, churches, cinemas, motor camps and other gatherings. The ban on travel between North and South Islands was not absolute but it was necessary for permits to be obtained.

In Northland people were accepting the ban and lately he had not been receiving the same number of inquiries about what they could and could not do.

Most camping resorts in Northland are being little patronised as a result of the ban, while some owners of ' private camps are reported to be watching closely against the congregation of children. No further positive or suspected cases have occurred in Northland.