Skopje, 17 July 2023 (MIA) – The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the Government have issued an orange heatwave alert in North Macedonia, urging the citizens to abide by heat advice measures in the next nine days.

The Government recommends exemption of most at-risk groups from work, such as pregnant women and persons over the age of 60 by organising work from home and children in kindergartens to stay indoors between 11 am to 5 pm.

Also, local self-government units, the Red Cross and social work centres to have a proactive approach and provide assistance to elderly persons and homeless; considering that certain risk products and technological processes can pose a health risk to exposed workers, employers are reminded on their duty to observe regulations in the field, the government said in a press release.

The Government has decided that state authorities and public enterprises observe the recommendations, also recommending the private sector to organise the working hours towards protecting people from direct sun exposure of workers.

Citizens are advised to spend as much time in air-conditioned spaces and take lots of breaks in the shade if they have to spend time outside, as well as wear light clothing, sunglasses and hats to avoid direct sun exposure.

Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, eating less and mostly fruits and vegetables, drinking water and avoiding alcoholic beverages is also recommended.

Before driving in the heat, vehicles have to be aired out. Due to the heatwave, there’s also an increased risk of food poisoning. Authorities ask people to wash thoroughly fruits and vegetables before eating and cook all other foods.

National Hydrometeorological Service indicates that a heatwave is to persist across much of the entire country in the next 10 days.