The Empire State Building, right, shrouded in smoke from Canada wildfires in New York, US, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023. New York City is bathed in a blanket of unhealthy air as smoke from Canadian wildfires seeps across much of the eastern US and Great …
NEW YORK - Thick smoke remains above the Big Apple for the third straight day.
"Very Unhealthy" to "Hazardous" air quality level alerts have been issued for much of New York and New Jersey.
More people can be seen wearing masks, and even less are walking around outside.
City officials and health experts are weighing in on how to stay safe outdoors due to rising concerns.
Mayor Adams cautioned those with preexisting health conditions to stay inside and to wear masks when outside.
The mayor also noted the city's lack of a plan for combating hazardous air quality. Thus, leaving people with even more questions.
"We have to pivot and shift based on the issue that's in front of us," Mayor Adams said.
- RELATED: New York smoke forces ground stop, delay at LaGuardia and Newark airports
- RELATED: NYC air quality: Forecast, outlook for Thursday and beyond
A lot remains unknown.
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NYC Emergency Management Commisoner: poor air quality tips
Commissioner Zach Iscol says to wear a mask and reduce exposure to the outdoors if possible.
Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol, joined Good Day NY on Thursday to discuss the kinds of precautions that the city plans to use.
"We don't have a specific plan for wildfire fires, but what we do have is we have what are called all-hazard plans that apply to a variety of different types of emergencies based on the impacts and what the effects are of New Yorkers," Iscol said."
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How to deal with the NYC smoky conditions
Officials are urging New Yorkers to stay inside as the smoky conditions from Canada wildfires continue, and if you do have to go outside -- wear a mask. FOX 5 NY’s Raegan Medgie has the story.
Officials are urging people to wear N-95 masks when possible and some are taking heed, while others are finding ways around it.
"It's confusing, it feels like we're going backwards," a woman walking with her mask on said.
- RELATED: NYC air quality alert: How can wildfire smoke affect your health?
- RELATED: Experts weigh in on Canada wildfire smoke's impact on NYC
How much longer?
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NYC air quality: Expert shares health concerns
Dr. Michael Niederman of NY-Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell medical center shares health issues the air quality can cause.
It could be days or even weeks before the air quality improves, creating a real concern for those with underlying conditions.
Dr. Niederman said the real concern is that some people could end up getting viral infections from the smoke.
Although those with chronic diseases are more at risk, healthy individuals can be sensitive to the smoke outside.
It could be days or even weeks until the air quality returns to normal.
According to Fox Weather, by Friday morning, the worst of the smoke will push off Long Island and into the Atlantic Ocean.