No face masks? A bra will do
Credit to Author: Catherine S. Valente, TMT| Date: Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:17:55 +0000
Can’t get hold of a face mask? Don’t panic. There are other items in your home that you can use to protect you from ashfall or fumes.
A diaper, for one. Or a bra. Or a thick, wet hankie.
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Francia Laxamana said these common items could be used as masks.
“Isa po ‘yung kamiseta, ilagay niyo po. Meron pong isang creative, ‘yung bra at panty kasi po talagang lahat lumalabas na (An undershirt can be used. For those more creative, a bra or panties will do the trick),” Laxamana said.
Diapers are also useful because these are thick and can provide protection.
“The diapers are open. So, ngayon pwede n’yo pong gawin, basa-basain n’yo lang po ng
konti, para hindi kayo ma-suffocate, para talagang ma-obstruct kasi pupwede n’yong ilagay sa may ears. So, maprotektahan niyo po ang tenga, maprotektahan din ang nose and mouth kasi (You can wet it a little so you will not suffocate and it will obstruct [dirt and ash]. It can protect your ears, nose and mouth),” she said.
Volcanic ash and gases can cause nose and throat irritation, coughing, bronchitis-like illness, discomfort while breathing, eye irritation and minor skin problems, according to the Health department.
The Health official, however, said those residing in Metro Manila need not don N95 face masks because ordinary masks would suffice.
“Dito naman po hindi naman po gaano katindi ang ashfall. So, nag-panic lang ho talaga ang mga tao noong nagbilihan ng N95. Kaya po nagkawalaan ng stocks. ‘Yung mga dapat na bibigyan natin ng N95, ‘yun ang nagkulang (Here the ash fall was not too serious.
People panicked and bought N95, thus stocks were depleted),” Laxamana said.
“So, huwag tayong mag-panic. Huwag na muna tayong mag-N95 dito sa Metro Manila. Ibigay na po muna natin sa ating kababayan dito sa mga areas ng Batangas and Cavite (Let us not panic. Let’s not use N95 here in Metro Manila. Let’s give these masks to those in Batangas and Cavite),” she added