Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has set up 24/7 command centers to deal with the fog catastrophe in the affected provinces, and has called on hospitals in the affected areas to increase their capacity to deal with the increase in cases of respiratory diseases.
The Ministry of Public Health has announced its measures to deal with this year’s haze disaster, with provincial public health offices closely monitoring the air quality level and taking appropriate measures according to the situation. Provinces where the level of air quality exceeds the safety threshold are instructed to activate their Provincial Operations Center (CO) to deal with the situation.
According to the permanent secretary of Public Health, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the provincial operational centers will be activated when the level of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) ranges between 37.6 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter. These operational centers are responsible for communication with local communities about impacts on health and personal protection.
Provinces experiencing airborne PM 2.5 levels greater than 51 micrograms per cubic meter for more than 3 consecutive days should consider activating the provincial Public Health Emergency Operations Center in order to further address the situation. effectiveness.
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24 provinces in Thailand are now within the activation criteria, namely Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Suphan Buri, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Khon Kaen and Bangkok.
The Ministry of Public Health has observed an increase in cases of diseases related to air pollution, with a weekly number of registered cases of 212,674 until January 24, higher than the previous week, which was 96,109 cases. Most of the registered cases are respiratory diseases, skin inflammations and conjunctivitis.
Provinces where the level of air quality exceeds the safety threshold are instructed to activate their provincial operations center to deal with the situation
The ministry has ordered all health centers to prepare to treat more cases, which include symptoms such as rashes, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention if they do not go away on their own.
