Beijing plans to install air purifiers in middle and primary schools, according to an announcement by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission on Jan. 5.

A pilot plan will be launched to install purifying machines in the schools, and a head of the commission will be selected, according to the announcement. All districts of Beijing have been instructed to follow expert guidance, strictly monitoring the devices to ensure that they function properly. Schools will receive subsidies from the Beijing municipal government to enact the new guidelines.

An ongoing orange alert has been extended as smog lingers, and many schools have been ordered to suspend outdoor activities following an earlier announcement by the commission.

The Beijing Municipal Education Commission said it regards children's health as a top priority. It has taken various measures to ensure students' health and safety, inluding optimizing the emergency air pollution plan, instructing schools to adopt flexible teaching arrangements and urging schools to teach students about protective measures.