Press Releases
County Officials Issue Health Advisory After Code Purple Air Quality Alert: Ride On Bus Service Free All Day, Outdoor Recreation Activities Cancelled
For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 8, 2023
Montgomery County officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and follow recommendations related to the area’s Code Purple air quality alert. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has issued a Code Purple air quality alert for the Washington, D.C. area for today, Thursday, June 8 due to very unhealthy air in our area due to wildfires in Canada.
- Wear a high-quality (N95 or KN95) mask when outdoors. This is especially important for people with respiratory illnesses, as well as older adults, children, and teens.
- Those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teens should avoid all outdoor activities. Outdoor activities should be moved indoors or cancelled.
- Everyone, regardless of age or health status, should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider moving activity indoors or rescheduling.
- Those that must work outside should reduce work if possible and wear a mask while working.
“Today’s Code Purple air quality alert indicates very unhealthy air conditions for the entire public, not just those with respiratory illnesses,” said County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis. “The smoke from the Canadian wildfires has exacerbated a typical air quality alert and everyone should pay attention and take precautions.”
Ride On Bus System
The Montgomery County Ride On bus system will be free throughout the day to minimize the amount of time residents would have to be outside walking.
Recreation Activities
Outdoor recreation activities sponsored by the County’s Department of Recreation are cancelled for today.
Individuals without shelter or residents concerned about the well-being of a homeless individual can call the 24-hour Homeless Information Line at 240-907-2688. Outreach partners will attempt to locate the individual and offer resources and support. We encourage them to take advantage of recreation centers, senior centers and libraries in their area during regular operating hours to avoid prolonged exposure to unhealthy air.
Residents are asked to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who may be isolated to be sure they are not having any health complications. County facilities, including regional services centers, are places that remain open to all visitors during normal operating hours.
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669
Categories: Health