Persistent poor air quality leads to the cancellation of classes on Monday and Tuesday

Chancellor Carol Christ sent this message to the community of Berkeley University late Sunday afternoon:

Dear students, staff members and teachers,

I am writing to inform you of the current state of air quality, as well as news of decisions about campus classes and operations over the next few days.

Over the weekend, we closely followed the air quality data and forecasts for Berkeley. Throughout the day, data from the nearest monitor, located in the water park, indicate that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained below 200, a level we consider, in concert with our medical and environmental experts, canceling courses. . (According to the EPA, a threshold of 200 AQI is the level at which everyone, not just people medically sensitive to the degradation of air quality, can suffer adverse health effects. ) According to the current forecast for tomorrow of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and National Meteorological Service, it is not certain that current conditions will persist.

After consulting the Academic Senate, we decided to cancel all classes on Monday and Tuesday. (Wednesday is not a day of teaching.) Many students have already returned home and we wish to offer those who remain on campus predictability and sufficient time to plan their trip before the break. Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, we will provide additional information and suggestions on how students and instructors will be able to compensate for lesson hours lost during the semester. It is already clear that we will need to take some time out of Reading, Review and Recitation Week, which runs from December 3 to 7, to catch up on missed classes and therefore encourage students to plan accordingly and use the days to come to read and re-read, if possible.

For students staying on campus, be aware that the following buildings have the best air filtration systems, with air quality that can be 20 to 40% higher than outdoor conditions: the library is -asatic, the library of biosciences and natural sciences in the valley. Science Building, Main Library (Gardner) Stacks of Doe, Haas School of Business, Berkeley Law Library and Hargrove Music Library.

For more information on how to protect yourself, both inside and out, from chimney smoke, refer to this guide provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the heroic efforts of firefighters control and control the burning fires in the state of California, the death toll continues to grow, with the number of missing persons increasing, the scale of casualties suffering constantly growing.

Now that we are approaching Thanksgiving Day, I know we will all be looking at how, in our own way, we can express and support our friends and neighbors of the state who are struggling to cope with the most difficult times. If you would like to help, the State of California provides information on qualified volunteer opportunities and selected organizations that collect financial contributions. This information is available on the state website.

I wish everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.

Regards,

Carol T. Christ, Chancellor