Bangkok: The Ministry of Public Health will distribute protective masks against PM 2.5 to vulnerable groups tomorrow. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, announced that the distribution will begin nationwide, with more than 8 million face masks available for vulnerable groups in areas identified as orange-red zones. These masks will be accessible at government hospitals, provincial public health offices, and district public health offices. Mr. Thepsuthin assured the public that there is no shortage of face masks and advised citizens to check dust levels and wear a mask before leaving their homes.
According to Thai News Agency, the PM 2.5 dust situation in many areas has exceeded standard levels, prompting the Ministry of Public Health to issue urgent guidelines for distributing masks. The target groups for mask distribution include those in orange areas with PM 2.5 levels ranging from 37.6-75.0 micrograms per cubic meter, focusing on vulnerable groups such as the elderly and high-risk individuals. In red areas, where PM 2.5 levels exceed 75.0 micrograms per cubic meter, masks will be provided to both vulnerable groups and the general public.
Mr. Thepsuthin detailed that each individual in the target groups would receive one mask per day for up to seven days at a time. The Ministry currently holds a stock of 7,383,880 surgical masks and 603,026 N95 air filter masks, which is considered adequate as the monthly nationwide usage rate is 3,333,473 pieces for surgical masks and 172,905 pieces for N95 masks. The production capacity is also sufficient, with at least 489,000 surgical masks produced daily, totaling approximately 10 million per month, and 240,000 N95 masks produced monthly.
The Minister emphasized that citizens should not be concerned about mask shortages since the current inventory and production rates are sufficient. He encouraged people in provinces with exceeding PM 2.5 dust values to collect masks starting January 28, 2025, from designated health facilities. He also reminded the public to monitor PM 2.5 levels using available applications and to wear masks and minimize outdoor activities if the levels are above the standard to mitigate health risks.