The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday said it was already able to source 80 percent of N95 facemasks needed for all the residents of Batangas and Cavite, who were evacuated due to eruption of Taal Volcano.
In an interview, Health Assistant Secretary Maria Francia Laxamana said they were able to source out 325,000 N95 facemasks for the said evacuees.
“We could now start the distribution to the evacuees,” Laxmana said.
She said 125,000 of said facemasks were sent by their regional offices, while the remaining 200,000 came from DOH’s emergency purchase.
DOH had earlier estimated that it would need at least 400,000 N95 face masks for the evacuees in the two provinces to protect them from the harmful effects of ashfall from the eruption.
She said the high level of ashfall in Cavite and Batangas leaves its residents vulnerable to adverse health effects, which range from simple skin irritation to symptoms similar to food poisoning when it is ingested.
Laxamana disclosed they had a hard time gathering their target number of facemasks due to an increase in demand from residents in Metro Manila, which was also affected by ashfall from the Taal Volcano eruption.
The health official, however, stressed the ashfall level in the National Capital Region (NCR) does not necessitate people there to wear N95 masks.
“In areas like Metro Manila, Region 3, which were affected by the ashfall, the N95 facemask is not necessary. We can use the regular surgical mask. The ashfall [level] is not as high. So people just panicked when they bought N95 facemasks,” Laxamana said.
Due to the shortage of N95 facemasks, DOH advised the public in areas with high level of ashfall to use alternatives ways to protect themselves from it.
Laxamana said this could include wet handkerchiefs and even bras and diapers.
“What is important is it covers their eyes and mouth from exposure to ashfall,” Laxmana said.
Image credits: Bernard Testa
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