By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

Due to the high level of soot and other contaminants in the air around Mexico City and the Valley of Mexico metropolitan area, all schools will be closed on Thursday, May 16, the Health Secretariat (SSP) announced late Wednesday afternoon.

The ruling applies to both public and private schools.

Children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems are advised to stay indoors and avoid heavy physical activity.

A contingency plan of double Day-without-a-Car rules, which has been in effect since Tuesday, has also been extended

The unprecedented levels of small-particle contamination are the result of a string of uncontrolled brush fires in the region.