The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing has launched a plan regarding periods of extreme heat, which includes early warning systems, an awareness campaign for the public and an effective response by the entities within the Ministry.

In collaboration with the Meteorological Office, the Ministry will implement an early warning system to notify the public of predicted periods of extreme heat, where the public will be receiving a warning message that will also include advice on what to do during these periods of extreme heat.

These messages have started being sent out today in readiness for the high temperatures forecast for this week.

Over the past few weeks, the Ministry has also launched a public awareness campaign on the dangers of heat, with practical advice on how a person should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day, while avoiding direct exposure to the sun during these times.

For vulnerable people, the Ministry has also established Day Centres that provide shelter from the heat. These Centres will be available to individuals with specific medical conditions and access to them will be facilitated by the Primary Care Support Centre.

The Heat Centres where vulnerable persons can seek shelter are located at: Victoria, Gozo, and in Malta at:.St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Mosta, Rabat, Attard, Sliema, St. Julian’s, Fgura, Ghaxaq, Zejtun, Marsascala,

The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, thanked all the specialists who prepared this plan, especially the Superintendence of Public Health, the Office of the Commissioner for Older People, the Data Commissioner and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.

He also expressed appreciation for the telephone companies in Malta who immediately accepted the Ministry’s request that each of their customers in Malta and Gozo receive a personalised message with the warning and advice.

“Extreme heat can cause problems in the body that can lead to irreversible damage to essential organs such as the kidneys, heart and brain. Therefore, we are doing everything possible to prevent this and no life is lost unnecessarily,” concluded Minister Abela, while reiterating the importance of sun protection and the importance of drinking water.

A list of Day Centres in various localities where vulnerable persons can resort is shown above. These persons are being informed personally.. For this service, one can call 21231231. In urgent situations, the public is encouraged to call 1400 or 112 in case of emergency.

Photo: DOI

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