At least 210 hospitalised for respiratory problems

AMMAN — At least of 210 people were taken by Civil Defence Department (CDD) staff to hospitals for suffering breathing difficulties due to the dusty weather on Tuesday, according to a source from the department.

“Most of the cases suffer from other chronic diseases such as allergy and asthma. We expect the number of patients who headed to hospitals due to the weather to be more, but those are the ones we transported via our ambulances,” a source from the CDD media unit told The Jordan Times.

The source said the department is urging the public to avoid very dusty roads and be extra careful when driving.

“We also urge those who suffer from asthma and allergies to keep their medications with them wherever they go,” added the source.

According to a statement, the Health Ministry announced that its hospitals are open to receive all patients with respiratory problems due to the weather for free.

Ministry Secretary General Daifallah Lozi said all public hospitals and healthcare centres across Jordan are ready to provide free-of-charge treatment to patients affected by the sandstorm, especially those suffering from seasonal allergies and asthma.

On the other hand, the CDD called on teachers to keep their eyes open for any case of respiratory problems among their students.

In a related development, the Education Ministry on Tuesday delegated directors of education departments across the Kingdom to decide whether to suspend classes in schools depending on the prevailing weather conditions and state of roads in each district in order to ensure the safety of students and teachers, according to a statement.

Education directors in Tafileh, Karak, Mafraq, the Southern Ghor, Madaba, Petra, Zarqa, Sahab, Ajloun and Irbid to suspend classes in on Wednesday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

No flights were delayed, however, on Tuesday.

Corporate Communications Director at the Queen Alia International Airport Zahiah Naasan said operations at the airport went as normal on Tuesday and no delays or diversions were recorded.

“We received many calls from people today to check if any changes were made to their flights. We make sure to keep them posted on Facebook and Twitter with any development. We do not think the operations will be affected from now on as the weather forecasters say it will ease off as of tonight,” she told The Jordan Times.

The CDD urges the public to call 911 in case of emergency.