NYC officials warn New Yorkers to mask up during poor air quality crisis

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced one million N95 masks will be made available across the city and state.

News 12 Staff

Jun 8, 2023, 9:45 AM

Updated 567 days ago

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Gov. Kathy Hochul announced one million N95 masks will be made available across the city and state.
A total of 400,000 will be handed out at Metropolitan Transportation Authority stations, Port Authority bus terminals, state parks and the Javits Center.
Another 600,000 will also be made available from the state emergency services division stockpile. The FDNY will be distributing N-95 masks at several locations.
The city's Department of Education has announced that students and staff at New York City public schools will be remote for Friday, June 9 as the air quality concerns linger across the five boroughs.
The DOE calendar already had a scheduled day off in place for elementary, middle, and District 75 school students for Friday, June 9. Students in grades 6-12 in other districts were originally scheduled to be in person. 
Hochul has referred to this as a public health crisis, saying everywhere in New York is experiencing unhealthy air quality levels with the exception of the Adirondacks. 
"They still have come down since from the 400 level but we should never get complacent and think that the 200 level for air quality is index is satisfactory. We are experiencing 209 in Brooklyn, 207, Queens, and 191 in the Bronx," said Gov. Hochul. 
Mayor Eric Adams announced that the Department of Transportation will suspend Alternate Side Parking Regulations for Friday as the city continues to face air quality concerns.
In the Bronx, masks will be limited to two per person at 720 Melrose Ave. and 2417 Webster Ave.
In Brooklyn, New Yorkers can head to Division 11 on Tillary Street or Division 15 on Howard Avenue. There will be a limit of two masks per person at those locations as well.
Experts say best way for drivers to protect themselves is to keep the windows closed and use the recirculation button to avoid outside air coming in.