DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 10, 2001 DHSS-DPH82-2001 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARES CORNER POSTAL FACILITY NEGATIVE FOR ANTHRAX
Laboratory tests of environmental samples collected at the U. S. Postal Service Delaware Processing and Distribution Center, located at Hares Corner in Wilmington, were found negative for anthrax spores, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) announced Saturday. Forty samples were collected Nov. 8 from equipment, filters and sites throughout the facility, and processed at the Delaware Public Health Laboratory in Smyrna. The postal facility's manager, plant engineer, maintenance director and safety specialist, along with Roy F. Weston, Inc., their environmental contractor, and DPH scientists participated in the survey.
Employees were notified of the results Saturday evening by postal service management.
Postal service employees and union representatives assisted the environmental team in identifying locations to sample. Special attention was given to equipment that compressed mail, and horizontal surfaces where dust could accumulate. Filters from air conditioning and ventilation systems were also tested.
DPH will conduct a press briefing by telephone at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 to update members of the media about the test results. Reporters with questions outside the scope of recent anthrax tests should page Heidi Truschel-Light after the briefing.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
