Beijing issues second smog 'red alert' this winter

A visitor takes a snapshot of the smog-filled sky in Beijing, Dec 8, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Beijing on Friday issued its second air pollution 'red alert,' the highest emergency response level, this winter, as a new round of heavy smog is forecast to blanket northern China.

The 'red alert' will last 89 hours, taking effect from 7 am on Saturday (Dec 19) until 12:00 am on Wednesday (Dec 23).

During the period, vehicles are ordered to run on roads based on odd or even license plate numbers. In addition, 30 percent of government-owned cars will be taken off from streets on an odd/even basis.

Public education institutions, including kindergartens, primary as well as middle schools, are advised to suspend classes.

Hebei province, the capital's neighbor, has already issued orange alert (the second highest) starting from 12:00 am on Friday, with one of its cities Handan on red alert and other cities like Cangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Hengshui, Tangshan and Langfang in orange.