The Ministry of Health has advised all residents, particularly those suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma, to avoid going outside because of the successive waves of sand storms that have hit the Kingdom recently, Al-Watan newspaper reported Monday. The ministry said in a statement Sunday that it is important to wear medical masks outdoors because dust irritates the respiratory system. Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeah, Minister of Health, issued directives to all regional Health Affairs directors in affected areas to take measures to monitor the situation and provide treatment for those who need it. The General Administration for Information and Health Awareness on Sunday issued a list of healthcare guidelines that can protect individuals. The guidelines include avoiding direct contact with dust and sand carried by the wind and going out unnecessarily. It also advised the public to check weather reports on television, radio or on the website of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Protection. The administration called on people to close their doors and windows and to clean more often when the wind blows. They have also been advised to regularly clean the dust in their houses and buildings, including that which settles on bed sheets and blankets. People should wear masks, or a wet piece of cloth to cover their mouths and noses, if they get caught in dust-carrying winds. The masks should be replaced constantly, it added. The ministry said all its centers and hospital emergency sections are prepared to receive emergency cases, especially in central and eastern regions of the Kingdom that are most affected by sandstorms.
