Health warning issued in Tijuana over unsafe air quality
Dec 13, 2024
SAN DIEGO (Border Report) -- The state of Baja California is asking Tijuana residents to limit outdoor activities especially between the hours of 4 and 10 a.m. due to unhealthy air quality.
Baja's Health Secretary, José Adrián Medina Amarillas, says the air is not safe to breathe right now and points out, there has been a 15 percent rise in respiratory illnesses in recent weeks.
"This is a red flag warning, we're asking the public not to go outside if they can help it and not exercise vigorously outdoors, if people want to exercise, we ask they do it inside their homes or at a gym to avoid these high levels of contamination," said Medina Amarillas.
Just this week, there have been more than 10,000 cases reported of people who sought medical help at hospitals or clinics in the city due to breathing issues, according to Baja's health secretary.
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Medina Amarillas is asking the public to seek medical attention if they are suffering shortness of breath and extreme coughing episodes, he's also recommending face covers for children who are 12 and under, seniors and those with a history of respiratory problems.
"Please pay attention to the levels of contamination and take appropriate measures, especially during the morning peak hours, please use face covers as much as possible to avoid a spike in cases."
In recent weeks, the air quality in the city has diminished due to wind patterns that keep the air from circulating out of the area and because of several large fires in the region.
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Medina Amarillas says they will notify the public when conditions get better and the air warning is terminated.