Mexico: High air pollution levels in Mexico City June 7

Event

Due to high levels of air pollution, authorities have implemented a “phase 1 contingency plan” for the capital Mexico City for Thursday, June 7. 

Intensified driving restrictions - in addition to rotating driving restrictions permanently in place - will be in effect throughout the duration of the “plan.” On Thursday, cars with a “1” pollution sticker whose license plates end with 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9 and all cars with a “2” pollution sticker must be off the roads from 05:00 until 22:00 (local time). Furthermore, all foreign-registered cars are banned from the streets from 05:00 until 11:00. These restrictions could be strengthened further in the coming days should air quality worsen. Increased demand for public transit is to be anticipated.

This pollution could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (such as asthma). The government has advised vulnerable individuals to remain indoors as much as possible - particularly between 13:00 and 19:00 when pollution levels tend to peak - and to abstain from exercising outdoors. Such individuals include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.

Context

Even during normal times air pollution levels are generally high in the Mexico City region, home to some 20 million people.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico City are advised to limit outdoor activities until the situation normalizes and adhere to all local regulations. For more information regarding driving restrictions, see the “Hoy No Circula” website.