Beijing Issues Yellow Alert Due To Poor Air Quality

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Those who are old hands at life in Beijing will tell you as far as air quality is concerned, it has not always been clear blue skies, butterflies, and rainbows. In past years, air pollution has reached levels classified as twenty times higher than what is considered healthy by the World Health Organization. Earlier this year, however, as the country and the city went into lockdown due to COVID-19 restrictions, Beijing residents saw a marked decline in the amount of air pollution. As the restrictions were slowly lifted, Beijingers returned to life almost as normal with the added bonus of clean air and blue skies.

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With the advent of winter, however, comes a sharp spike in air pollution levels. Just this past Saturday, the Beijing Government issued a yellow alert for heavy air pollution which was to start on Sunday through to Tuesday due to a forecast of heavy smog. This yellow alert is only ever issued when the air-quality index surpasses 200 for two consecutive days. The Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau responded by suspending a number of outdoor construction operations and the restriction of operations by some manufacturing companies. Though this is expected to have passed by today, there is no telling what the air quality will be like, and it might be time to return to our trusty N-95 masks. Earlier this year, we at beijingkids also assembled several resources for those who wish to buy masks online, at one of the many outlets serviced by waimai delivery apps. This winter, be sure to not only have a mask, but the right mask to keep you and your family’s lungs happy and healthy.

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Photos: Unsplash 

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