Catkins forecast shows that Beijing saw the first peak time of willow and poplar catkins wafting on the last weekend, and Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa) was the main source for the floating catkins, with the peak time lasting for five days. So far, administrative authorities of Beijing Municipality have deployed more than 4,000 sweepers, sprinklers, high-pressure water spray trucks, and mist cannon trucks, etc., in order to clear out the catkins during the peak time.
Before the morning and evening rush hours every day, catkins accumulated on the previous day will be humidified and swept up to alleviate the influence on the public travel. Catkins basically are generated during the daytime from 10:00 to 16:00, and authorities in all districts will duly spray high-pressure water and mist to willows and poplars with massive catkins and floating catkins left over in woodlands and green lands, while humidifying and cleaning the hardened pavement in a timely manner.
During the catkins wafting period in the spring, those who go out or exercise outdoors are advised to take extra precautions such as wearing masks, protective goggles, and shawls according to their own needs. Sportspeople are advised to do exercise at the time of mild floating catkins (i.e. in the morning, in the evening, or after raining) whenever possible.
In case that floating catkins fly into eyes by accident, it is necessary to rinse the eyes with clean water immediately. In addition, citizens are reminded to be conscious of fire safety and refrain from littering cigar butts which might ignite the catkins and cause fire accidents. Potential fire hazards shall be prevented and it is the duty of everyone in the city.