Beijing issues new smog alert closing schools and banning cars

China’s capital has issued its second smog red alert of the month, triggering car bans and school closures.

Workers install a Christmas tree on display outside a shopping mall during a heavily polluted day in Beijing. Image by AP Photo/Andy Wong

Forecasters say a wave of smog is due to settle over Beijing from Saturday to Tuesday. The Beijing Meteorological Administration said that levels of PM2.5, the smallest and deadliest form of airborne particulate matter, were set to top 500, more than 20 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended level.

Half the cars in the city of 22.5 million will be forced off the road on any given day, while barbecues and other outdoor smoke sources will be banned. Schools will close and people advised to avoid outdoor activities. Smog red alerts are triggered when high pollution levels are forecast to last more than 72 hours.

(Press Association)