The Department of Health is reminding people who are vulnerable to deteriorating air quality to stay indoors with doors and windows closed and avoid excessive exercise and unnecessary activity over the long weekend.

The current hazy conditions in and around Darwin are expected to continue over the next few days and are a combination of fog (low cloud) and smoke particles in the air.

As there are no significant winds forecast for this weekend, the Top End can expect the same combination of moisture and smoke particles to persist for the next few days.

The young, elderly and those with known lung disease including asthma are particularly vulnerable however people with the following underlying conditions should also take note and they include heart disease, cancer and chronic conditions.

The Chief Health Officer for the Northern Territory Dr Hugh Heggie advises Top End residents to reduce exposure and risk of harmful effects by taking the following precautions:

• Stay indoors, windows closed and avoid excessive exercise and unnecessary activity

• Ensure you have medicines for lung disease and use them, especially asthma preventers

• Contact your health practitioner, pharmacy or health centre if you need more medicines

• If you are having excessive difficulty with your breathing contact ambulance services on 000! The call will be logged and an appropriate response organised even if you are in a remote location.

• Attend your health practitioner, health centre or hospital if you are concerned about yourself or others

• Stay calm, use your medicines and contact family, friends or neighbours if you are alone

Media Contact: Rickie Abraham 0419 818 414