Photo:AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Amid the devastatingwildfires in Canada, sporting leagues across the East Coast have taken action to keep people safe.
The WNBA was also impacted, as the leagueannounced on Wednesday afternoon on Twitterthat a game scheduled between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty at the Barclays Center has been postponed.
While a new date for the game has not been announced, the WNBA stressed that the change came “due to the air quality issues impacting the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the greater New York area following the wildfires in Canada.”
AP Photo/Alyssa Goodman
“New York State experts are monitoring our air quality every day to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information about current air quality in their communities and what they can do to protect themselves,” she continued. “I encourage New Yorkers, especially those sensitive to air quality, to take appropriate steps to help limit the risk of exposure.”
Being that New York City experienced thehighest pollution level in the world on June 6, Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald also recommended that “New Yorkers limit strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“People who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as heart disease or asthma, should avoid spending time outdoors, if possible,” he shared in a statement on the release. “Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their personal physician.”
Based on official data,Reutersreported more than 3.3 million hectares (8.2 million acres) burned so far this year.
According to officials, Canada is currently “on course for its worst-ever wildfire season on record.”
source: people.com
