On June 7, the New York City Department of Health recommended that anyone spending appreciable time outdoors—regardless of their health status—wear masks to reduce their exposure to the smoke pollutants. The health department also advised employers to limit outdoor activities for their employees, and for people with heart and lung disease to remain indoors if possible.

“If you have a surgical mask, that will give you some protection, but N95 and KF94 are better masks to use in times like this.”