Skopje, 11 August 2024 (MIA) - North Macedonia's Government, at the request of the Ministry of Health, extended at its session on Sunday recommendations for the citizens' protection against a heatwave expected to hit the country on 12-13 August 2024. 

The Government recommends that the most vulnerable groups of the population, such as pregnant women and persons over the age of 60, be released from work duties on 12-13 August 2024 (Monday and Tuesday).  

In the same period, employers should reorganize the work activities of construction workers and workers working outdoors, to avoid construction or other physical activities outdoors during the period from 11 am to 5 pm.

Also, in childcare facilities, kindergartens, physical activity should not be practised and children should not be taken outdoors between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

In addition, the units of the local self-government, the Red Cross and the Centres 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 press release adds.

The national weather service has said mostly sunny and very hot weather is in the forecast until the end of the week.

The country will be under the influence of very hot air mass from the south, particularly through Wednesday, when daytime temperatures at some places will hit over 40ºC, and an orange heatwave alert will be activated. 

Photo: MIA archive