Beijing is planning to install air purifiers and air filters in schools as the city continues to come up with new ways to battle with smog, according to the new initiative announced by the Education Municipal on Thursday.

The move, which has been launched by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, will equip kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools with a new air filtration system, financed by the ministry.

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ECNS reported that the Education Municipal has taken note of the health concerns of parents and guardians and has thus barred all outdoor activities from taking place. Teaching activities are, however, expected to continue.

The education municipal described the students as the future not only of their families but also of the nation. Thus, education authorities deem these children's health as a top priority.

Since Dec. 30, Beijing has  been under orange alert, a second level indicator of harsh air pollution. This has led to academic activities being put on hold as residents wait for the smog levels to reduce.

CRI English reported that various parents had been reluctant to send their children to school. One parent, Lu Ying, said that she restricted her daughter from going to school for the past two days because she did not know the air quality of the environment there. She added she did not understand why schools needed to open.

"I think if the school cannot match with air quality standards, they should suspend some classes under such bad condition," Lu said.

In December, a school principal was suspended after forcing 480 pupils to take their exams at an open field in Henan Province. This was despite the government's red alert notice.

Tagschina, Beijing, air pollution, smog, school, Orange alert, air purifier