Many City Agencies and Public Spaces Closed or Curtailed Due to Poor Air Quality

YS Gold 

The ongoing air-quality concerns have introduced some eerie parallels to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Many city agencies and public spaces have been closed due to the ongoing haze brought in as a result of the Canadian wildfires, greatly affecting the air quality in the city. These include some airports (with flights being cancelled due to low visibility), libraries, beaches, and other spaces. Alternate Side Parking has also been cancelled as the city is most concerned with keeping residents inside. 

Zoos and carriage rides in the city closed down, as those charged with caring for the animals rushed to get them indoors. 

The NYC Department of Buildings announced that all borough offices will have limited hours for customer service on Thursday and Friday. “All borough offices will be open to the public from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm only on Thursday, June 8, and Friday, June 9, 2023,” said a message. “Online and drop-off services will not be affected.”