Skopje, 20 July 2022 (MIA) – The territory of the entire country will be hit by a heatwave in the next four days, from Thursday to Sunday, as authorities have issued orange heatwave alert. During this period, the recommendations for reducing the risks of rising temperatures will apply. It is recommended that the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as pregnant women and chronically ill persons, be released from work duties. Also, in childcare facilities, kindergartens, physical activity should not be practiced and children should not be taken outdoors between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., said the Health Ministry on Wednesday. The units of the local self-government, the Red Cross and the Centers for Social Affairs in heatwave-hit regions are to provide assistance to elderly, infirm persons and homeless people. “In view of the fact that certain risky production and technological processes may pose an additional risk to the health of exposed workers, employers are reminded of their obligation to comply with legal regulations in this area”, the Ministry of Health stressed. The Ministry noted that the population in the summer period needs to respect the general health protection measures. More specifically, during extremely hot days, people are advised to stay in closed rooms, especially air-conditioned ones. If people must go outdoors, they are advised to rest in the shade frequently. "Wear bright and light clothes, and wear protective glasses and a hat in direct exposure to the sun, and use sunscreen with high SPF when sunbathing. Eat less food, consume mostly fruits and vegetables, and less fatty food," said health authorities, also advising people to drink large amounts of fluids, preferably plain drinking water, and avoid alcoholic beverages. When entering a vehicle, it is necessary to ventilate it for a certain period, according to one of the recommendations. Chronically ill persons should regularly take their prescribed therapy, in consultation with family doctors. Also, due to scorching temperatures and the increased possibility of food poisoning and intestinal infectious diseases, it is recommended people wash fresh vegetables and fruits before their use. Thermal preparation of food and its consumption within a very short time after preparation, as well as avoiding thermally unprocessed products is also recommended. dk/ba/