Urgent Warning to Residents: Due to air pollution during the weekend, avoid being outdoors

“October 2-4, the concentration of particulate matter in the ambient air will continue to increase, so we ask the population to avoid active physical activity, limit their presence in the open air, and do not burn waste,” the report reads.

If they are not feeling well, residents are urged to see a doctor immediately.

It is recommended to wear a mask outdoors.

Due to increased air pollution, public health professionals recommend staying home if you have chronic respiratory illnesses and wearing a mask while outdoors.

“When you are outdoors, wear a mask, a respirator or, in the worst case, any other self-contained respiratory protection device,” Rolanda Lingienė, head of the Vilnius Department of the National Center for Public Health, told BNS.

According to her, it is also advisable not to do physical activity outdoors.

“Reduce physical activity outdoors, refrain from strenuous running, fast cycling and other physical activities, if you deepen or increase the frequency of breathing,” said the specialist.

R. Lingienė emphasized that in case of deterioration of health, it is necessary to consult doctors.

Air pollution has increased almost 3 times

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air pollution rose nearly three times across the country on Friday, with a rise in the concentration of particulate matter (PM10).

“No major rains are expected, therefore the situation is likely to change little over the weekend and air pollution in the country will remain high,” Vilma Bimbaitė, head of the Evaluation Division of the Air quality.

He said levels of particulate matter could drop slightly on Saturday, in the second half of the day, but pollution is projected to remain high.

The situation, according to the expert, should improve only on Sunday due to the forecast of higher rainfall.