With Environment Canada’s Special Air Quality Statement for London, Middlesex County and the surrounding region still in place, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is updating its guidance as the Air Quality Health Index is likely to reach 10+ or Very High Risk.
With smoke from wildfires in northeastern Ontario and northwestern Quebec continuing to linger in the region, the Health Unit now recommends the following actions:
- Those who are at highest risk for health concerns, notably those who have heart or respiratory problems, should reduce or reschedule any strenuous activities they plan to do outdoors.
- Those who are at lower risk for health concerns may consider reducing or rescheduling any strenuous activities they have planned for outdoors, particularly if they experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
- Organizations may consider rescheduling outdoor athletic activities and events depending on the vulnerabilities of their participants.
- Everyone should continue to monitor themselves for symptoms and reduce or stop their activities if they have trouble breathing.
- Be aware of your mental health. Feeling anxious during an event such as this is normal. If you experience feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.
The Health Unit will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates, should it become necessary.
For more information about Environment Canada’s Special Air Quality Statement, visit: www.weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-137_metric_e.html.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Dr. Alex Summers, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit