Mayor Eric Adams encouraged New Yorkers to stay home through Thursday to keep away from unhealthy smoke blowing in from Canadian wildfires.
"We cannot provide guidance more than a day in advance at this point," he said at a press conference Wednesday. "As a result, we're encouraging New Yorkers to stay home, indoors, tonight and tomorrow, whenever possible."
He said that city services will still be available, but added that all New Yorkers should limit their outdoor activities.
"If you must be outside, we recommend wearing a mask, especially if you're an elderly or a younger child," Adams said.
In addition, Schools Chancellor David Banks said city teachers will work remote.
"The students were already scheduled to not be in school tomorrow, but now we've also allowed the teachers, principals and administrators to work remotely," he said.
Banks said a decision on remote work Friday for school staff will be made Thursday.
Adams said he plans on going to a few NYCHA developments to hand out masks.
"Our city is strong and resilient, we have faced crises before and we will get through this together," Adams said. "Stay indoors, stay safe, and mask up if you are outside."