The Spokane region received a poor air-quality rating from the American Lung Association's 2020 "State of the Air" report, with local officials citing wildfire smoke as the main contributor. The ALA's State of the Air provides reports on the two most widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone and particle pollution, both harmful to public health.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2020 6:39:50 AM - SOURCE: KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

New York City will throw the “biggest, best” ticker-tape parade for its health care workers and first responders once the city reopens from the coronavirus pandemic, the mayor announced Tuesday. “We will honor those who saved us,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “The first thing we will do, before we think about anything else, is we will take a time, as only New York City can do, to throw the biggest, best parade to honor these heroes.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WLNY-TV CBS 55 Riverhead

Pickaway County first responders now can have peace of mind about preventing the spread of COVID-19, thanks to the county’s new decontamination station. The makeshift, multiroom station is set up at the Circleville Police Department. The whole setup cost a few hundred dollars to make from items at a hardware store.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Columbus Dispatch

Precautions to protect vulnerable volunteer firefighters from COVID-19 could lessen some retirement benefits for those going on fewer calls during the pandemic, according to fire officials. Some fire departments are asking older volunteers or those with underlying health conditions — those most likely to suffer serious medical problems or death from the coronavirus — to stay home.
- PUB DATE: 4/21/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Newsday