Air Quality Impacts on Schools
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2023
Our local public health units have issued statements regarding the current air quality situation (BCHU, HNHU). Poor air quality, with moderate to high-risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are expected through most of the week. When local AQHI values exceed 7 (considered “high-risk”):
- Higher-risk populations are advised to reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities.
- All others not in a high-risk population should consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities if they experience coughing or throat irritation.
As a result, strenuous outdoor activities, including outdoor athletic events scheduled for Thursday June 8 and Friday June 9 will be cancelled in Grand Erie. Outdoor recess will continue, and staff and students are encouraged to avoid strenuous activity. Some may wish to stay inside.
Field trips may continue but organizers will work to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, and some trips or events be rescheduled.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and should any additional steps need to be taken on the advice of Environment Canada and/or Public Health, we will provide additional information to schools and families.