People urged to wear masks as air quality alerts across US and Canada continue newshub

People urged to wear masks as air quality alerts across US and Canada continue

Millions of people across North America woke up to orange skies and a smoky haze as air quality alerts continued across the US and Canada.

People were urged to mask up to protect their lungs from breathing in too much polluted air.

New York governor Kathy Hochul tweeted that from Thursday 1m N95 masks would be made available at state facilities.

Tomorrow morning, one million N95 masks will be made available at state facilities.

400,000 will be distributed to New Yorkers at @MTA stations, @PABusTerminal, @NYStateParks & @Javitscenter.

600,000 will be available from @NYSDHSES stockpiles for local governments to pick up.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 7, 2023

She also urged people living in the state to remain indoors:

New Yorkers: The best way to stay safe right now is to stay indoors.

We highly recommend outdoor activities be postponed or cancelled as we wait for safer air quality conditions.

If you must be outside for significant periods, wear a high-quality mask to reduce exposure.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 7, 2023

Media reports said the smog was expected to spread beyond New York to other east coast areas.

Toxic air was also being reported in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania. Large swathes of the midwest and the south also faced air quality alerts.

Source: The Guardian