The source explained that it is likely that all those on board the ship will be transferred to new accommodations as a precautionary measure.
In the aftermath, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick chaired meetings on the situation.
Legionella bacteria, which are commonly found in water, can cause a serious type of lung infection known as Legionnaires.
This did not show any of the people on the barge signs of infection with this disease.
The bacteria was found after a routine test of the water supply on July 25, but results did not arrive until August 7, the same day the asylum-seekers began boarding.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that the health and well-being of those on board “is our highest priority”.
He continued: “Samples from the water system in Bibi Stockholm showed levels of Legionella bacteria, which requires further investigation.”
The British government decided to use the barge as a shelter for asylum seekers, with the aim of reducing the cost of hotel bills.
A number of asylum seekers refused to be transferred to the barge, which they describe as a “floating detention centre”.
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2023-08-11 14:39:16
