The air quality throughout the five boroughs of NYC, Long Island, Hudson Valley, and NJ, continues to be affected by air currents from the Canadian wildfires. The air in the metropolitan and suburban areas of NYC contains very high levels of fine particulate matter (typical air quality index is around 25-30, it is currently fluctuating between 200-380). While it is currently unclear how long these conditions will persist, they will likely improve in the days to come.

That said, conditions on Thursday and Friday are predicted to remain bad. It is strongly recommended that anyone with any medical condition such as asthma, COPD, immunodeficiency, undergoing treatment for any cancer, or suboptimal mucosal clearance (e.g., CP) should limit venturing outside to whatever extent possible until these conditions improve. For those without specific medical problems, it is still strongly advisable to avoid outside exposure.

If outside exposure cannot be avoided, careful and correct use of a fitted KN95 mask is strongly advised. Anyone with a respiratory condition (under the current circumstances, this applies even if indoors) such as asthma, COPD, respiratory insufficiency, etc., should have inhalers on hand, including rescue medication and immediate access to emergency contacts.

In our residences, staff will be consulting with program nurses to determine if medical appointments are necessary or can be rescheduled for those who have any of the above-mentioned medical conditions. Day programs will be open, but outdoor activities will be limited. If you have a loved one who cannot attend a program due to health-related concerns, please reach out to their program and remote support can be arranged.