The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an orange alert for Male’ City due to poor air quality, with a yellow alert issued for the rest of the country.
HPA warned that vulnerable groups, including infants, elderly people, pregnant women, and those with respiratory, heart or allergy conditions, are at a higher risk of respiratory issues as a result of the current conditions.
The HPA advises vulnerable individuals to avoid outdoor activities, including sports and exercise, wear N95 or similar masks if going outside, and keep doors closed and use air purifiers indoors to reduce pollution.
Air quality information can be checked via IQAir website and app. According to IQAir, PM2.5 levels are currently 42 µg/m³, indicating poor air quality. While visibility is around 4 kilometres in the central region, poor air quality is expected to continue for the next two days.
Similar reduced visibility has occurred in previous years as the northeast monsoon approaches.