Beijing issues pollution alert

Beijing's meteorological authority has issued an orange air pollution alert for the next three days due to negative weather conditions on Thursday.

The heavy pollution emergency response headquarters said that the alert will come into effect on Friday.

During the three days, the authority will ban high-emission petrol cars and earth-stone construction operations, and suggested that kindergartens, as well as primary and middle schools, should suspend outdoor activities.

It also urged the public to take personal measures such as wearing masks.