The Delhi government on Sunday issued a health advisory as pollution levels soared beyond detection equipment levels. The highest Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at several places in the capital city was 999, the upper limit of most AQI testing devices.
The acceptable level of AQI is below 200.
As the Delhi-NCR region is under a declared health emergency situation, construction works, bursting of firecrackers and schools have been suspended till November 5.
Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain has asked people to avoid outdoors, specially during morning and late evening hours.
The advisory has specially warned children below 5 years, pregnant women, elderly and sick people.
Here are the DO’s and DON’Ts:
DO’s
- Remain indoors, or reschedule outdoors activities.
- Consult the nearest doctor in case of breathlessness, giddiness, cough, chest discomfort or pain, irritation in eyes (red or watery).
- Persons with airway, lung or heart illnesses should keep their medication readily available.
- If using masks, use certified N95 masks and follow user instructions. Simple paper and cloth masks are not effective.
- Continue use of clean smokeless fuel gas or electricity for cooking and heating purpose.
- Use public transportation.
DON’Ts
- Don’t burn leaves, wood, agriculture products, garbage.
- Don’t go to places with heavy traffic and areas near polluting places, construction sites etc.
- Don’t go for morning and late evening walks, run, jog and physical exercise.
- Don’t open doors and windows during the morning and late evenings.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes, bidis and related tobacco products.
- Avoid driving cars, scooters and other motorised vehicles.
Also Read: Affordable Air Purifers To Save Yourself From Air Pollution Emergency