Face masks made obligatory in smog-hit Punjab | The Specific Tribune

The Punjab authorities on Sunday mandated the sporting of face masks for residents venturing outside in 10 districts grappling with extreme smog situations. Interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi took to X, previously Twitter, to share the notification issued by the provincial well being division a day prior.

In keeping with the notification, the order is to be carried out in Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, Sialkot and Mandi Bahauddin from November 20 until November 26.

“The Punjab Authorities proclaims a 1-week mandate for sporting of face masks for all residents in smog-affected districts of Punjab. Prioritising well being is our collective accountability. Please adhere to the rules for a safer group,” wrote Naqvi.
The notification acknowledged that measure has been taken to stop and management airborne illnesses within the province.

Learn: 500 hospitalised resulting from smog

The poor air high quality as a result of heavy smog has turn into a “critical and imminent risk to the general public well being in all teams,” it added.
The air air pollution charge within the provincial capital has reached alarming ranges making Lahore one of many world’s most polluted cities.Earlier this month, the town witnessed a minimum of 500 folks falling sick resulting from poisonous smog and being admitted to emergency wards of varied native hospitals inside 24 hours.

In the meantime, the Lahore Excessive Courtroom issued directives for stringent measures to be carried out to counter challenges offered by the smog. The courtroom dismissed the Punjab setting director-general from his submit for his failure to make sure the identical.
A wise lockdown had earlier been imposed within the province amongst different measures to mitigate air air pollution.

On Sunday, Lahore registered an Air High quality Index (AQI) of 203, classifying it as unhealthy. The first pollutant was PM2.5, a tremendous particulate matter able to coming into the lungs and bloodstream, resulting in important well being considerations.
Regardless of implementing these measures, the persistence of smog in Lahore and neighbouring districts stays evident, exhibiting restricted affect on air high quality.

Its penalties prolong past diminished visibility and elevated site visitors accidents. Smog poses extreme well being dangers to inhabitants, notably these with respiratory or cardiovascular situations, kids, the aged, and pregnant girls. Signs of smog publicity embody coughing, wheezing, chest ache, eye irritation, complications, nausea, and fatigue.

Consultants have strongly urged residents to undertake precautionary measures to defend themselves from smog’s dangerous results. Suggestions embody sporting masks, utilizing air purifiers, minimising out of doors actions—particularly throughout peak air pollution hours—and searching for medical help if experiencing any discomfort.