Khorasan Razavi Announces Precautionary Public Holiday Amid Severe Dust Forecast
MASHHAD – In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Khorasan Razavi province has declared a series of measures, including a shift to remote work and the closure of educational institutions, in response to a forecast of severe dust pollution.
The announcement follows an emergency session of the province’s Dust Storm Management Task Force, convened to address the deteriorating air quality.
Impetus for Action: Severe Weather Forecast
The task force’s decision was prompted by an official forecast from the Khorasan Razavi Meteorological Department. The advisory warned of a significant increase in the concentration and persistence of dust pollutants, expected to peak on Friday and continue into Saturday, creating hazardous breathing conditions.
Key Public Health Measures Enacted
To mitigate potential health risks, the task force has implemented a multi-pronged strategy:
- Educational Shift: All schools and educational institutions across the province will transition to virtual, remote learning to protect students.
- Sports Ban: All outdoor sports and physical activities in the city of Mashhad have been officially prohibited for Saturday.
- Remote Work Provision: In a specific measure to support families, working mothers with children under the age of six have been granted the option to work remotely.
Official Mandate for Compliance
The resolutions passed by the task force carry the weight of an official directive. All relevant government bodies, public institutions, and organizations are mandated to fully implement these guidelines to ensure a coordinated and effective public health response.