Ministry of Public Health advises public in north to wear face masks

BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) -- Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) is closely monitoring the haze situation and people's health in the northern region. The Department Director-General Jessada Chokedamrongsuk said that since Thailand is already entering into the summer season which caused the weather to become more hot and dry and could lead to easier forest fire breakouts as local residents would like to burn wastes out in the open. Dr Jessada pointed out that haze is one of the major problems in the northern region that must be continuously monitoried, particularly in the upper northern area. Data gathered from the Disease Control Office 1 of Chiang Mai province revealed that on March 6, the average haze level in the north had exceeded the safety standard limit of 120 microgramme per cubic metres in two locations in Lampang province, with levels of PM10 measured at 158 and 169 microgrammes per cubic metre, respectively. Meanwhile, many provinces in the north are starting to see the spread of haze in some areas, where risks areas include all the provincial seats of Lamphun, Mae Hong Sorn, Payao and Prae provinces. Dr Jessada noted that the level of PM10 higher than the standard level of 120 microgrammes per cubic metre could affect the local people's health, advising the public to not carry out any outdoor activities for long periods of time, as well as to ensure that all doors and windows are closed to prevent the haze from entering. He said people in risk groups, such as those with heart disease, stroke, lung disease, asthma, allergies, as well as the elderly, children, and pregnant women should be wear face masks at all times while outdoors. The Ministry of Public Health has been strictly monitoring the health of the people continually, where a the Surveillance and Rapid Response Team is ready to be mobilised to affected locations to provide immediate assistance when needed, along with coordinate with local agencies to solve haze problem hand-in-hand. Dr Jessada stressed that the people must also follow up on the updates about the situation from concerned government agencies in order to understand the situation and act accordingly. (TNA)