This morning, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) upgraded the Capital Region’s air-quality status to the moderate level from a previous rating of unhealthy for sensitive groups.

This means there are no restrictions and all outdoor activities may resume, including physical education classes and recess. Field trips also may proceed as scheduled Friday.

We will continue to monitor the DEC’s guidance on air-quality standards and outdoor activities through the weekend as the Canadian wildfires that caused this week’s air quality concerns are still burning.