Metro Manila LGUs urge residents to wear masks amid Indonesia haze

Several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have advised residents to wear masks and limit outdoor activities as haze from fires in Indonesia continues to affect air quality in the region.

In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso warned residents Tuesday morning about poor air quality in the city.

He cited reports from local monitoring stations and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

In Caloocan, Mayor Along Malapitan advised residents to wear masks when going outdoors, particularly children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with asthma or other lung and heart conditions.

Residents were also urged to reduce prolonged outdoor exposure and strenuous physical activities and to stay indoors whenever possible.

In Quezon City, the local government said its Air Quality Index remained at Alert Level 3 as of noon Tuesday, with air quality in some areas reaching “Very Unhealthy” and “Acutely Unhealthy” levels.

The QC government advised residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to limit outdoor activities and wear face masks when going outside.

In Pasay City, the local government also issued a public advisory on staying safe amid the haze.

Residents were advised to stay indoors as much as possible and wear a face mask or N95 mask, if available, when going outside. They were also told to keep doors closed and use damp cloths to cover gaps where smoke could enter.

In Makati, the city government said air quality was at “Very Unhealthy” to “Acutely Unhealthy” levels, prompting it to advise residents to wear face masks, particularly when going outdoors.

Makati residents were also advised to reduce outdoor physical activities and prolonged exposure outside.

In Malabon, the city government reported “Acutely Unhealthy” air quality as of noon Tuesday.

The local government warned that exposure to this level of pollution may cause coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain and eye irritation, and may worsen existing lung or heart conditions.

Residents were advised to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, wear masks when going outside, close windows and doors if smoke is detected, and continue monitoring official air-quality advisories.

In Parañaque, the city government said an “Acutely Unhealthy” air quality level was recorded.

The city advised residents to wear face masks and avoid going outside unless necessary.

In Valenzuela, the local government also warned residents about haze from forest fires in Indonesian Borneo being carried toward the Philippines by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat.

As of 2 p.m., Valenzuela residents were advised to wear face masks, particularly N95 or KN95 masks if available, limit outdoor activities, keep doors and windows closed, and drink enough water.

— MCG, GMA News