The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has alerted the public and called for precautionary measures as air pollution levels are expected to worsen over the next two days in the Maldives, particularly in the central atolls.

In a message issued today by HPA, based on analysis from the Meteorological Office (Met), it stated that haze is currently significantly affecting the Maldives’ air quality. As this situation is expected to persist in Maldivian territory over the next 48 hours, paying special attention to health protection is important.

In this regard, HPA has issued important guidance for the public to follow. This includes advising people with respiratory conditions and other health issues to reduce time spent outdoors and postpone activities such as sports and exercise. Additionally, if it becomes necessary to go outside, they have requested that people wear masks. Furthermore, the agency has recommended keeping doors and windows closed to prevent polluted outdoor air from entering homes and maintaining clean indoor air, and if available, using air purifiers.

HPA has also stated that information on air quality can be obtained by checking the Environment Ministry’s website link or using the “IQAir Visual” application to monitor air quality levels independently.