Minnesota begins with the work week with an air quality alert still in place as smoke lingers from Canadian wildfires. The State Health Department’s Jessie Shmool advises “In these levels — very high, unprecedented levels — the health recommendation for everyone is really to reduce your time outside, take breaks, certainly limit heavy exertion.” Air quality is expected to remain “unhealthy” in many areas of Minnesota through Tuesday afternoon. Shmool says people with asthma should follow their action plan and keep relief medications nearby: “These levels of particulates can be very irritating to the respiratory system, and they can also have an impact for people with heart disease as well.” Anyone with respiratory or cardiac difficulty should seek medical help immediately.