Vancouver opens up ‘cleaner air’ spaces amid ongoing air quality advisory

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The city is opening up five “cleaner air spaces” so people in Vancouver who need an escape from the smoky air will have a place to go.

Three locations opened up Monday, and two more will be activated Tuesday due to an ongoing air quality advisory in the region.

.@CityofVancouver & @ParkBoard are opening some “cleaner air spaces” (spots w/high efficiency HEPA or MERV 13 filtering) in case you need respiratory reprieve. Locations open NOW:
-Carnegie Community Centre
-Evelyne Saller Centre
-Gathering Place Community Centre

— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) September 15, 2020

“These sites offer a limited number of spaces with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or MERV 13 filtering, which can support people struggling with respiratory issues reads a statement form the city.

Starting Monday, these spaces became available at the Carnegie Community Centre, Evelynne Saller Centre, and the Gathering Place Community Centre. These locations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The following locations will open up Tuesday and remain open through Saturday.

• Mount Pleasant Community Centre – 7:15 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 7:15 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
• Vancouver Public Library Central Branch lower level rooms – exact hours will be announced Tuesday

“Safety guidelines for COVID-19 will be in place at these facilities, such as physical distancing measures, capacity limits, frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and provision of hand sanitizer,” the statement continues.

“Visitors will be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory issues and COVID-19, and referred to Vancouver Coastal Health for medical care where needed.”