BANGKOK, 17 March 2015 – The Ministry of Public Health is distributing 250,000 face masks to members of the public in the nine Northern provinces afflicted by the haze. Ministry officials are also urging people to avoid heat strokes during bouts of hot weather.
Deputy Minister of Public Health Somsak Chunharas disclosed on Monday that public hospitals in the nine haze-afflicted northern provinces have readied medical supplies for patients around the clock. 250,000 face masks are being given out, and 150,000 more have been ordered.
Department of Disease Control Director-General Opart Karnkawinpong, meanwhile, said that diarrhea, food poisoning and heat stroke are the ailments that could be expected during the present period, when summer is just starting. Dr. Opart suggested that people who work in hot environments take hourly rests and drink plenty of water. If fatigue sets in, the person should take cover in shaded or cooler areas and drink electrolyte beverage.
