Songkhla Hit by Haze

BANGKOK, Sept 19 (TNA) – The Public Health Ministry warned local residents in the southern provinces of Songkhla and Yala to refrain from outdoor activities and wear face masks when going outside to protect themselves against haze from Indonesia’s Sumatra Island. Sukhum Kanchanapimai, permanent secretary for public health has monitored the haze situation and dispatched health officials to work with the network of allies in a proactive approach to give advice to local people. Two thousand masks were sent to local health centers for distribution to the public. The PM 2.5 reading today remained unhealthy at 65 microgramme per cubic metre (µg/m3) in Songkhla’s Hat Yai district and 56 µg/m3 in downtown Yala. Dr. Sukhum instructed people to keep abreast with the updates from the application “air4thai” of the Pollution Control Department and wear face masks when they go outside. Children and the elderly should stay indoors. People, who start coughing and having difficulty in breathing and feel dizzy due to exposure to haze should seek medical advice. Advisor to the Public Health Minister, assigned by Public Health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul will take a field trip to Hat Yai to follow up providing assistance to affected residents tomorrow. (TNA)