Governors Ball 2023 Still Pushing Through Despite Unhealthy Air Quality in NYC

The entire New York City has been enveloped with a thick orange smog caused by the wildfires in Canada, affecting the northeastern parts of the country. This natural phenomenon impacted the air quality of the Big Apple, causing health and environmental health risks in the city.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has described the city's current air quality as "very unhealthy," but despite this, the 2023 Governors Ball seemed to be continuing as planned.

2023 Governors Ball Update

In a statement from the 2023 Governors Ball organizers, they assured their attendees that they are "closely monitoring" the air quality with esteemed weather experts and city officials.

"At this time, the festival is continuing as planned. We are hopeful that conditions will improve in the coming days and are looking forward to a great weekend!" they announced.

The 2023 Governors Ball is expecting a huge crowd this coming weekend. Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Lil Baby, PinkPantheress, Lil Uzi Vert, Giveon, Diplo, Pusha T, and Black Midi were among the big stars that will be performing.

The said music festival will be held outdoors at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens starting Jun. 9 - 11, 2023. Holding the 2023 Governors Ball outdoors at this point would go against the current directives of New York City Health and Environmental officials to stay indoors.

"If you can stay inside, that's the best bet. If you do have to go outside -- I have my N95 on me. I, quite frankly, encourage people to have theirs. Any mask will do. Use the best mask you can," New York State Acting Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald told CBS News.

Indoor events have been canceled throughout New York; even Broadway productions were put to a halt because of the current condition of the state.

New York City Air Quality

As of this writing, New Yorkers have been encouraged to wear masks when going outside as the city recorded its all-time worst air quality in New York City.

New York Health Commissioner McDonald revealed that even healthy New Yorkers could be at risk of unhealthy air quality. This came after advising that children and senior citizens should be indoors during the said health disaster.

"Every place is unhealthy except for the Adirondacks. That might be a healthy plug for the Adirondacks. That is the only place with clean air in the state right now. We are seeing unhealthy air quality levels on Long Island, New York, eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, Western New York," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.

Check out the time-lapse video of the World Trade Center skyline below.