The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs wanted to give New Yorkers an update on the unprecedented event our city is facing as a result of the wildfire smoke from Canada.
At 5 PM yesterday, the Air Quality Index hit 484, a “Hazardous” on the levels of health concern — that is the highest level on the index level. There is potential for conditions to significantly improve today, the ability to predict smoke conditions that far out is low.
We are encouraging New Yorkers to stay home and indoors today, whenever possible. All New Yorkers should limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible. City services will continue to be available for New Yorkers today and we will continue to serve this city, but we will not be conducting outdoor events.
Public schools will be closed today. Beaches are also closed. Staten Island Ferries are operating on a fog schedule.. Those traveling on East River Bridges should drive at the posted speed limit.
We want to reiterate what was said by the Mayor yesterday: New Yorkers should stay inside, close windows and doors, and use air purifiers if you have them. If you are an older adult or have heart or breathing problems and need to be outside, wear a high-quality mask such as a KN95.
Check the air quality forecast from local media outlets, the National Weather Service, or other weather and air-quality apps that you can access on the go. This is climate change in action, and we must continue to draw down emissions, improve air quality, and build resiliency.
Our city is strong and resilient. We have faced crises before, and we will get through this together. Stay indoors, stay safe and mask up if you are outside.
For more information and updates, visit https://on.nyc.gov/2Ho9W4J or contact 3-1-1 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY 212-504-4115).
Beginning Thursday, June 8th, at 8:00 am, each New Yorker will be able to receive two masks from the locations below.
NYPD
All NYPD Precincts
Find Your Precinct and Sector - NYPD
Staten Island
FDNY Division 8 - 1850 Clove Road
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