Moscow schools recommended to exclude open-air classes

In connection with the smog caused by forest fires burning in the Moscow region, Moscow schools have been recommended to exclude open-air classes and give the students more water to drink.

Alexander Gavrilov, head of the press-service of the Moscow Education Department, said that in connection with the unfavourable ecological situation the department on Thursday issued instructions at the recommendation of the Moscow Health Committee. It concerns the "organization of studies in conditions of the smog covering the city." Gavrilov noted that school classes will not be cancelled. The schools and other educational establishments of the city have been recommended to exclude sports and other open air classes. They also recommend to increase the amount of liquid consumed by the children, and to air the class-rooms only after covering the windows with many layers of moistened cheesecloth.

Special attention is to be paid to allergic children, children suffering from bronchial and other diseases of the respiratory tract. Asthmatic children should always carry individual inhalers prescribed by their doctors.