Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook are urging city residents to take precautions during the air quality alert issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The alert is expected to remain in effect through midnight.

Due to ground-level ozone and smoke from Canadian wildfires, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach unhealthy levels. Residents, particularly those with heart or lung disease, respiratory illness, or other underlying health conditions—are strongly encouraged to wear a mask when outdoors.

To protect yourself from the current poor air quality, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) advises:

• Staying indoors as much as possible.

• Keeping your windows closed.

• Using an air purifier if possible.

• If you must go outside, limit your physical activity and wear a mask for any extended period of exposure.

These guidelines should be followed by anyone who is at risk, particularly sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other lung diseases and respiratory conditions.

The Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to monitor the air quality and will issue updates as needed throughout the alert.

For more information, please visit the NJDEP website at https://dep.nj.gov/airquality/

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