As an effort to mitigate the health effects of smog, the Punjab government has enforced a one-week mandatory requirement for wearing face masks.
The mandate applies exclusively to districts in the province affected by smog, encompassing Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Mandi Bahauddin.
As per an announcement from the interim Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, individuals residing in these districts are required to wear face masks when outdoors from November 20 to November 26, as outlined in the notification.
In his statement on the X platform (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister emphasized that prioritizing health is a shared responsibility. He further urged the public to comply with the guidelines for the sake of a safer community.
In response to deteriorating Air Quality, the Punjab Government announces a 1-week mandate for wearing of face masks for all citizens in smog effected districts of Punjab. Prioritising health is our collective responsibility. Please adhere to the guidelines for a safer community.
The provincial government has implemented several measures to alleviate the significant impact of smog, including the temporary mandate for wearing face masks.
Only last week, the government made the decision to close educational institutions in districts affected by smog. Additionally, a crackdown on vehicles emitting smoke has been launched as part of the efforts to address the smog issue.
Despite these measures and endeavors, there has been no notable improvement in air quality. On Sunday, Lahore’s air quality was once again measured at an unhealthy level of 203.
Experts suggest adopting preventive measures such as wearing face masks and using air purifiers to combat the effects of stifling smog.
