Wearing N95 face masks in Metro Manila is unnecessary according to DOH

photo courtesy: Philstar

The wearing of the N95 face masks due to the ash fall from the Taal Volcano eruption in Metro Manila deemed unnecessary according to the Department of Health, Tuesday afternoon.

The regular face mask is enough to ensure the safety of everyone within the nearby provinces.

On the other hand, Health Assistant Secretary Maria Laxamana insisted that people living near the volcano are ought to wear the N95 face masks to provide protection over the ash fall.

“Dito sa mga areas like Metro Manila, Region 3, 'yung mga areas na naabot ng ashfall, puwede naman po tayong gumamit ng not necessarily the N95 but we can use the regular surgical mask. Hindi po gaano katindi 'yung ashfall so nag-panic lang po talaga 'yung mga tao nung nagbilihan ng N95,” she said.

Laxamana called the attention of everyone to refrain from hoarding supplies of N95 face masks since people that are currently near the volcano need the equipment more than anyone else.

Being exposed to the ash would likely result in cough and difficulty in breathing while it might also irritate the eyes or even worse, damage the cornea, DOH stated.