Mexicali, January 1. The state capital started the year with an "Alert!" (Alert!), in capital letters, because the air quality is "extremely poor" and poses an "extremely high" health risk. Therefore, authorities are recommending today that residents not leave their homes and "avoid outdoor activities."
On the morning of January 1st, the municipality raised the purple flag and urged residents of Mexicali to remain indoors because the Air and Health Index, according to the municipal air quality monitoring station, indicates that "we are experiencing extremely poor air quality."
In addition to not leaving home, authorities urged people to seek medical attention if they experience respiratory or cardiac symptoms; "For people in sensitive groups (children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with cardiorespiratory conditions), increased caution is recommended."
Mexicali closed and opened the year with alerts for poor air quality, meaning the number of suspended particles in the air—dust, ozone, and sulfur dioxide—smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, which are harmful to health.
