The region has hit air quality level Code Maroon and Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has announced some new precautions for today to minimize exposure to hazardous conditions.
In a release, ACPS said that schools will continue normal operations, but all physical education classes and recess will be held inside. All outdoor field trips have also been rescheduled.
“This step is taken in accordance with the guidance from the National Weather Service to minimize exposure to potentially harmful air conditions,” ACPS said in the alert. “We urge all families and staff members to be cautious and follow the recommended guidelines for limited outdoor exposure on this code Maroon air quality day.”
According to ACPS:
We want to inform you that today we are under a code Maroon for air quality, as advised by the National Weather Advisory for northern Virginia. The well-being of our students and staff is our utmost priority, and we are taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
While all schools will continue normal operations at this time, as a precaution and in accordance with ACPS policy, all physical education classes and recess will be held indoors.
In light of the air quality alert, we have decided to reschedule all future outdoor field trips. This step is taken in accordance with the guidance from the National Weather Service to minimize exposure to potentially harmful air conditions.
We urge all families and staff members to be cautious and follow the recommended guidelines for limited outdoor exposure on this code Maroon air quality day.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
Marcia Jackson, Ed.D.
Chief of Student Services and Equity
The City of Alexandria also reiterated an earlier warning for locals to keep outdoor activities brief and avoid strenuous activities.
**Air Quality Index (AQI) Update for Thursday, June 8**
As the City continues to monitor the unhealthy air quality in our region due to the wildfires in Canada, please follow the guidelines below to ensure your safety.
Stay tuned: https://t.co/V7J7M2TrSP. pic.twitter.com/RwaFnRlRqx
— AlexandriaVAGov (@AlexandriaVAGov) June 8, 2023
The Alexandria Library also announced that outdoor events may be canceled or rescheduled due to the smokey conditions.
Due to the poor air quality caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires, some outdoor Library events may be canceled, rescheduled, or moved. Check our calendar before attending events during the next few days for the most up-to-date programming information. https://t.co/fvXnMupG2M pic.twitter.com/GPHdj6WlyF
— Alexandria Library (@alexlibraryva) June 8, 2023