The Mexico City metropolitan area maintained an air quality alert on Monday, putting traffic restrictions into effect.
The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) issued a phase I environmental contingency on Sunday due to high levels of ozone particles, exceeding 155 parts per billion (ppb).
Due to comparable atmospheric conditions and low cloud cover, which does not allow for the disbursement of ozone, the contingency will remain in effect until at least through Monday.
To reduce the population’s exposure to pollutants, Mexico City authorities doubled the number of restricted vehicles prohibited from being driven under the “hoy no circula” (no-drive day) air quality control program, which prohibits private vehicles from being driven based on license plates.
Exempt vehicles include electric or hybrid cars, motorcycles, and vehicles with holograms 0 or 00. Taxis can circulate between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. regardless of their license plates, and restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles. Qualified individuals with disabilities are also exempt.
The CAMe also recommends residents of Mexico City take the following precautions between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.:
- Avoid all civic, cultural, and recreational activities, including physical exercise.
- All private and public outdoor activities should be suspended.
- Avoid smoking indoors and refrain from using aerosols, air fresheners, waterproofing products, or products that contain solvents.
- Facilitate or continue remote work and reduce unnecessary travel.
- Limit the use of natural gas in homes.
With reports from Infobae
