South Sumatra administration distributes 3.6 million masks to public

Palembang, Indonesianpost.com – The South Sumatra regional government has distributed 3.6 million masks to the public free of charge in response to unhealthy air conditions in the local area due to smoke haze from forest and land fires (karhutla).

Head of the South Sumatra Health Service Trisnawarman stated in Palembang on Sunday that the distribution of masks was aimed at educating the public to use masks, as the Air Pollution Standard Index (ISPU) in Palembang City is currently in the dangerous category, which is above 300.

It means that the air quality level can cause serious harm to the health of the population and requires immediate treatment.

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He stated that the mask distribution program had actually been implemented since the smoke haze began to surround them, and 1.2 million masks were distributed. The number was then increased to reach 3.6 million pieces.

“We are trying to educate the public to wear masks because the ISPU (standing) is currently (at a) very dangerous (level),” he stated.

He added that the distribution of masks was conducted simultaneously in eight densely populated areas in Palembang City.

He appealed to the public to not spend too much on outdoor activity and to use masks wisely if it is absolutely necessary to venture outdoors.