Masks a must for those with respiratory conditions in ashfall areas – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday advised individuals with pre-existing lung and respiratory conditions living in ashfall-affected areas due to Taal Volcano’s to continue wearing protective masks.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III explained this is to prevent their conditions from worsening.

“In the vulnerable areas where the volume of ashfall has been really massive, these are the people we need to prioritize, let me underscore that those with pre-existing conditions really really have to be monitored and taken care of,” Duque said in an interview on ANC when asked on the need to wear protective masks.

“The more important group of people would be the elderly suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, from asthma and other lung conditions that may be exacerbated by the inhalation of ashfall,” he said.

Residents of Quezon and Laguna should continue wearing masks since that is where the wind is blowing the ashfall, Duque advised.

“The ashfall in Manila could be very very light and it may not be necessary to be wearing masks as compared to where the wind is blowing the ashfall now in Quezon and in Laguna,” he said.

Taal Volcano is still on Alert Level 4, which means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours or days.

GSG