Murphy: New Jersey air quality levels remain "very unhealthy," expected to intensify again tonight
GARWOOD, N.J. -- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is urging people to stay inside as much as possible.
The orange haze we saw in the sky Wednesday is gone, but Murphy, along with health officials in New Jersey, are keeping the air quality alerts in place through Friday.
They said conditions are still hazardous, and they're urging residents to wear masks outdoors.
"It reminds of being back in a crisis, but it's good to know we all have masks handy - still lots of them stocked up from the pandemic," commuter Kamille Steward said.
People were wearing masks outdoors and indoors.
At Newark's Penn Station and five other transit hubs - Atlantic City, Camden, Trenton, Secaucus and Hoboken - the state is offering free N95 masks to anyone who wants them.
"Please, if you need a mask, ask for one. We will replenish the supplies, if they run out, and they will be available," State Police Deputy Superintendent Colonel Sean Kilcomons said.
Department of Education Acting Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan said the state is taking a "proactive approach" to protect students and coordinate on the latest guidance.
Laura Ma, who arrived from Washington, D.C., said it's more smoky down south.
"It was better yesterday, but it got worse today," Ma said.
Murphy, along with health and environmental officials, gave a morning update on New Jersey's air quality. They said it's still unhealthy, and exposure to wildfire smoke coming from Canada can cause breathing problems.
"We continue to urge -- strongly -- all sensitive individuals especially, meaning those with health conditions like asthma, heart disease, lung disease, as well as our kids, pregnant individuals and seniors -- all of the above especially -- to stay inside," Murphy said. "Everyone should try and limit their time outdoors today and avoid strenuous activities."
"If you must spend time outside, please wear a mask -- a good-fitting N95 in particular," he added.
⚠️The previously issued Air Quality Action Day for Thursday, June 8th is being upgraded to the Unhealthy category statewide. In addition, this alert has been extended to Friday, June 9th at 11:59 pm. pic.twitter.com/jUD4098mgU
— New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (@NewJerseyDEP) June 8, 2023
New Jersey's Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said children are particularly vulnerable because they breathe more air relative to their size and are more active than adults.
"The health effects of wildfires to children can include chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, coughing, irritation of nose, throat and eyes and feeling dizzy or light-headed," Persichilli said.
The state said it's allowing school districts to decide whether to stay open, but recommended the cancelation of outdoor activities.
Persichilli also said, after the pandemic, K-12 schools were funded for free HEPA filters and purifiers.
"To date, nearly 1,800 schools and over 450 childcare centers are participating in the program and receiving over 52,000 HEPA units. This includes about 75% of New Jersey schools that we consider at high risk," Persichilli said.
Health officials also reminded parents who have children who suffer from asthma to keep medications handy.
For more information about the state's air quality, they want people to use the EPA's website and check their zip code. You can do so by CLICKING HERE.
Some schools switched to remote learning for the day, while others planned for early dismissals. The concerns also forced the cancellation of after-school programs.
CBS2's Natalie Duddridge spoke with parents outside an elementary school in Montclair who said they supported the decision to leave early.
"I absolutely think that it's wise that they're canceling school, sending people home early. The health of students, staff and faculty really of our utmost concern," one person said.
Rayelle Vincent said her son, Ryder, thought the orange hue was something out of a science fiction movie.
"I hope it clears up soon," she said. "I do think it's probably wise to let the kids stay inside until it clears up."
"An apocalypse, I thought it was going to be the end of the world," he added.
To the east on Thursday, it was a hazy sun. But to the west, blue skies broke through.
"I came to work yesterday and I had to leave early because my eyes started -- because of the smoke -- my eyes, I couldn't see," another person said. "So I had to leave early and drive home in pain."
The governor said he spoke with Canadian officials, who told him the wildfires have consumed more than 10 million acres and expected destroy 2 million more.