Officials in Beijing, China declared their first ever red alert for air pollution, Monday evening. The thick smog covered the city, prompting an alarm of the highest level.  Beijing implemented a color-coded emergency air pollution response system in 2013.

The New York Times reports that temporary restrictions will be in effect for the city. From Tuesday morning through Thursday afternoon schools will be closed, cars will only be able to operate on alternating days, depending on licence plate number, and barbecues will be banned. Government agencies will scale back their vehicles on the road 30 percent, through the duration of the red alert.

The red alert was officially announced around 6:30 p.m. Monday, via Xinhua, the state news agency. The agency posted to Twitter, “Beijing issues first red alert for heavy smog. Odd-even car ban imposed; schools suspended.”

The post was followed by a post to the Beijing government website, advising those in the area on how to respond to the current red alert. Citizens were unclear about how quickly the ban would be enforced in regards to getting to work and finding childcare, under short notice.

Beijing was under an orange alert since Saturday. At that time, Chinese news reports had predicted smog beginning Monday. Restrictions under an orange alert include stopping outdoor construction and a halt on the operation of companies that emit significant air pollution.

Much of China’s air pollution comes from industrial coal burning and vehicles. Beijing reserves the right to shutdown factories to insure clear skies, but has only done so for special events like international summits and military parades.