SEDGEMOOR District Council is advising owners of public, private and community buildings closed due to coronavirus to take steps to reduce the risk of legionella being present when they re-open.

The district council said buildings like shops, offices, hairdressers, beauty salons, hotels, pubs and clubs, as well as any business that has a water supply and is currently shut down, will need to check their hot/cold water and air conditioning systems are properly serviced before reopening due to the 'heightened' risk of Legionnaire's disease.

Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection people can catch by inhaling droplets of water from building items such as air conditioning, taps and toilets, and can be prevented by good water system maintenance. People catch the disease by breathing in tiny droplets of water containing bacteria that cause the infection.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council, said: "Whilst water systems in businesses may not seem to be high on the priority list during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important ensure all water systems are managed safely at this time.

"Water systems that are not being used and maintained effectively are very likely to have increased levels of bacteria present.

"Experts say that it is far better to maintain a water system than to try and treat a water system which has gone out of control.

"Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection you can catch by inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs.

"It's uncommon but can be very serious and the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease can be very similar to COVID-19 and include high temperature, feverishness and chills; cough; muscle pains; headache; and pneumonia: www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/symptoms.htm

"The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious disease (ESGLI) has issued specific guidance on managing Legionella in buildings and offices that have shut down due to the pandemic.

"The following key summarised information is taken from their guidance (produced on March 27, 2020) and the full document can be downloaded at www.escmid.org/fileadmin/src/media/PDFs/3Research_Projects/ESGLI/COVId_buidling_water_system_guidance_27_3_20_v4_DS_pk.pdf

"Alternatively, there is plenty of help and advice on Sedgemoor District Council’s website at or phone the Environmental Health Team on 0300 303 7806who will be happy to give further information."