Great news if you were planning on visiting Torri del Benaco (and especially if you’re a resident there), on Lake Garda! The recent norovirus/gastroenteritis emergency is over, and it’s safe to swim in the lake and drink tap water without any health concerns again.
The Gastroenteritis Outbreak and Immediate Response
On Thursday, June 27, an outbreak of severe gastroenteritis was traced to the presence of Norovirus in the local water supply. In response, the mayor of Torri del Benaco immediately issued an ordinance that prohibited swimming in the lake and the use of tap water for drinking. Bottled water was quickly distributed to all residents, with special deliveries made to elderly individuals who might have been more vulnerable if they had gotten sick. If there’s one good thing about COVID, it’s the health and safety responses that were learned from it.
Testing and Results
After the initial shut down, there was a series of rapid tests of the water supply. On Saturday, June 29, tests revealed no traces of Norovirus in both the lake and the local water supply. To confirm these findings, the Food Hygiene and Nutrition Service (SIAN) of the Prevention Department of ULSS 9 Scaligera conducted further tests on Tuesday, July 2. These tests reconfirmed that the water was completely safe, showing that all chemical parameters were within the regulatory limits.
The Restrictions Have Been Lifted
With the confirmation that the water is now free from contamination, the restrictions have been totally lifted. Residents and visitors can now resume normal activities, which is perfect timing for summer! Which is great news, because Lake Garda is a must visit while in Verona. And the Scaliger Castle in Torri del Benaco is a great place to visit while there! Check out our article on How to Get to Lake Garda from Verona for all the details.
