DOH: No need for NCR, Region 3 residents to wear N95 masks

The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday there is no longer any need for residents in the National Capital Region and Region 3 to wear N95 masks in the aftermath of Taal Volcano eruption last Sunday.

Health Assistant Secretary Maria Laxamana said Metro Manila and Central Luzon are already far from the volcano and that ash fall is no longer drifting towards the direction of the said areas, according to a Balitanghali report.

However, the DOH encouraged residents to use regular surgical masks and other protective ways, using materials —as clean cloth, diaper, or bra —to ensure their safety.

But it advised those with ailments, the elderly and children to continue wearing masks.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) officials warned that a hazardous eruption still looms even though Taal Volcano's  activities grew calmer on Wednesday morning.

Dark gray, steam-laden plumes about a kilometer high have dispersed volcanic ash to areas southwest of the main crater, it added.

Pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami still threaten areas within the 14-kilometer radius from the main crater of Taal Volcano despite the seemingly calmer activity.

PHIVOLCS resident volcanologist and Taal Volcano Observatory officer-in-charge Paolo Reniva warned of a possible base surge that could instantly destroy properties and kill people in Taal Lake shoreline communities near the volcano island, should a hazardous eruption occur. —Jamil Santos/LBG, GMA News