Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged the public to take precautions while outdoors due to high air pollution in the Maldives.
Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has stated that the air pollution is due to the shifting winds from west to east and the northern and central atolls in the country are being affected. Therefore, HPA advised the public to take precautions as dirt and smoke in the air can cause breathing problems.
HPA stated that there is a risk of health problems, especially in people with sensitive respiratory systems. HPA has urged others also to stay safe while outdoors. Some precautions that can be taken by lung and heart disease patients, individuals with allergies, children, the elderly, and babies include avoiding spending too much time outside their homes, wearing a protective mask while outside, keeping house doors closed, and avoiding playing sports and exercising outside.