JAKARTA: Riau has recorded an increased number of Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA) following deteriorating air quality from the haze caused by forest and land fires with 1,960 cases in the Aug. 19-26 period. The infection is spread across 10 out of 12 cities and regencies in the province on Sumatra's central-eastern coast.
Zulkifli, head of the Riau Health Agency, said that the highest spike occurred on Wednesday (Aug 26). “Based on data from all cities and regencies, there were 634 cases on Wednesday,” he said on Thursday.
He said that Pekanbaru has the most cases with a tally of 563, followed by Pelalawan regency with 535 cases, Siak with 198 and Kampar with 195.
The agency also recorded 43 cases of asthma, 36 cases of skin irritation and 16 cases of conjunctivitis during the worsening haze.
So far this year, there were 237 cases of ISPA and 629 pneumonia cases among toddlers in Riau. All health facilities in the province have been told to strengthen public education on air pollution and the implementation of health protocols as a protection measure, Zulkifli said.
“Health workers are required to disseminate the use of indoor air filters, avoid pollution sources, use face masks during the height of haze and implement healthy and clean behavior [PHBS],” he said.
“Residents should also monitor air quality through an official app or website, reduce outdoor activity and close all ventilations at homes, offices, schools and public places during high level of pollution.”
He added that those who suffered from breathing problems immediately consult with physician or go to the nearest medical facility to prevent deteriorating health condition.
“Each public health centre [Puskesmas] has an emergency service. We have also provided oxygen on standby as first aid for those experiencing heavy breathing,” he said.
“Special protection needs to be given to vulnerable group, such as children, pregnant mothers, people with comorbidities and the elderly.” Zulkifli also asked government health facilities to ensure the availability of medical-grade face masks.
“In addition to ISPA, health workers must also monitor and report diseases related to haze exposure, such as eye and skin irritation, pneumonia and asthma to the regional health agencies,” he said.
Seven regions have implemented online learning to reduce haze exposure, namely Pekanbaru city and the regencies of Bengkalis, Indragiri Hulu, Kuantan Singingi, Pelalawan, Rokan Hulu and Siak.
Meanwhile, Siak Regent Afni Zulkifli allowed pregnant civil servants to work from home as a protection from deteriorating air quality. “WFH opportunities are also given to civil servants with congenital diseases, such as asthma or ISPA with a recommendation from the health agency,” she said.
Similar policy was also implemented by the Pelalawan regency administration since efforts to fight forest and land fire were declared an emergency response on Aug. 24.
“Civil servants who are pregnant and breastfeeding can work at home and perform the tasks assigned by their superiors,” Pelalawan Employee Development and Human Resource Agency head Darlis said. “They can work at home during the emergency response period until it is lifted.”
He added that civil servants who are not categorized as vulnerable must still come to their offices and work as usual wearing face masks to prevent haze exposure.
“Morning exercises on Thursdays are cancelled. Civil servants should directly work in their own offices,” he said.
In line with online learning for students, several regions have also cancelled meal distribution under the free nutritious meal programme from Aug. 25 until Friday. The affected regions are Pekanbaru city and regencies of Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Pelalawan and Siak. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
