Faced with this situation, the Health Ministry has proposed that children attending kindergartens and elementary schools stay home if the AQI is at hazardous levels (AQI at 301-500) for three consecutive days.

The Ministry stated that if they have no choice but to go to school, these children should avoid outdoor activities, switch to indoor activities, or adjust their school schedule.

English-language Vietnam News reported that this recommendation is made in the context of air pollution in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighboring provinces, which tended to increase in the last few days.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that exposure to air pollutants increases acute lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

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