The dust, carried by winds from the Sahara Desert in North Africa, has engulfed countries from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago in the south to Barbados and Saint Lucia in the east.

Advisories have been issued by the local meteorological agencies due to the health and safety risks associated with the dust. Health Minister Moses “Musa” Jn. Baptiste reminds citizens to take the necessary precautions and safety measures to safeguard themselves.

“The Chief Medical Officer and other health professionals have also warned, especially those who have respiratory problems, to avoid exposure. So again, it's a general warning that goes out almost every week. And we are hoping that individuals continue to adhere because it is posing a problem, especially to individuals who already have respiratory issues,” the Health Minister explained.

Jn. Baptiste says the Ministry continues to issue warnings to citizens weekly.

“The doctors, medical professionals, and those who work at the hospitals and the wellness centers over the last few weeks have really been sounding the alarm about the possible negative effects of the Saharan dust. They've also put out a number of bulletins and warnings. Wearing masks, avoiding certain conditions, especially if you're out in the open, to protect yourself from excessive exposure to the Saharan dust. These warnings continue,” he said.