Beijing has issued a red alert notice on Thursday, indicating that harsh fog pollutions are expected in the region over the next five days. This is the first notice the city has released this year.

The red alert status is set to take effect on Dec. 16 (Friday) 8 p.m., when heavy smog is expected, until Dec. 21 (Wednesday).

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A report issued by the National Environmental Monitoring Center of China stated that the provinces of Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, and Henan are anticipated to face a similar situtaion with the fog affecting the air in the regions. 

The environmental ministry advised citizens that within the period, construction sites, among other activities, will be put on hold or operate differently, the NDTV noted.

"Enterprises and public institutions can adjust office time or ask employees to telecommunicate. Kindergartens, primary and middle schools can work on flexible teaching schedules or close," the report read.

It also added that high polluting vehicles will not be allowed on the road as well. An odd or even number plate rule for the last digit has also been implemented to determine which vehicles get to operate on a certain time.

Meanwhile, the use of color to determine the smog level was introduced last year with the first red alert being issued last December, according to The Independent.

The red alert, which is the highest in Beijing's four-tiered color-coded warning system, is usually issued when the smog is expected to last for more than 72 hours. 

TagsBeijing, china, smog, air pollution