Beijing raises pollution alert as smog lingers

A tourist wears a mask in a scenery spot in Beijing, China, Feb 21, 2014. Beijing cranked up its pollution alert a notch higher to orange on Friday as heavy smog is expected to linger over the Chinese capital for at least another three days. (Xinhua/Gong Lei)

Beijing cranked up its pollution alert a notch higher to orange on Friday as heavy smog is expected to linger over the Chinese capital for at least another three days.

Under the newly raised alert, children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors while citizens are encouraged to use public transportation. Some factory activities will also be put on hold.

Beijing authorities issued a yellow alert Thursday.