Due to the AQI (Air Quality Index) continuing to sit above 200, at 6:30am this morning the Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center (SEMC) replaced their air pollution blue alert with a yellow alert.
Yesterday, when we reported on the blue alert, the AQI showed indications of falling to a more acceptable level. However, instead of taking a downfall, it lingered between 200 and 300, remaining at a heavily polluted level. Starting from 2am yesterday, the heavy pollution has now continued for over 30 hours, hence the yellow alert.
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As the second tier on the four-tier scale (blue, yellow, orange and red), a yellow alert indicates that within the next 48 hours there will be heavy air pollution (AQI between 201-300).
Children, the elderly and those with heart and lung diseases are advised to stay indoors. Other citizens should also reduce outdoor activities. At the same time, industries such as steel, petroleum and chemicals, which tend to produce air pollutants, are ordered to reduce waste discharge and all construction work (except for emergencies) must cease.
In addition to the regular suggestions above, all kindergartens, primary and middle schools are also required to suspend outdoor PE lessons and activities. In addition, it is suggested that outdoor sports of any kind are postponed or canceled.
According to staff members of SEMC, this round of pollution will last till Friday February 2.
It is said that the heavy smog hovering over the city will affect the viewing of tonight’s ‘blood moon,’ a rare celestial event. The full moon eclipse is expected to commence from 7.48pm this evening, and if missed, the next opportunity will not present itself until 2025.
Whether we are able to watch the ‘blood moon’ or not, let’s hope this is the last air pollution on any level that we have to endure before the Spring Festival, and even after it, for that matter.
