Oviedo (EFE).- The Ministry of Health has activated this Thursday the alert level 2 (medium risk) of the National Plan of Preventive Actions of the Effects of Excess Temperatures on Health 2023, in view of the forecasts of the State Agency of Meteorology (Aemet), which predicts that in the coming days it will reach 30 degrees in the community.
The health authorities advise citizens to protect themselves from solar radiation, stay hydrated and avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
In addition, they insist on the need to take special care of the population most vulnerable to heat: people who suffer from chronic illnesses, those who work outdoors, the elderly and children, and they also recommend that food be kept cold, since heat increases the risk of foodborne infections.
Public Health has already sent the health centers, the Ministry of Social Rights and Welfare and the Asturian Federation of Councils (FACC) the appropriate documentation on the declaration of the alert for high temperatures.
The National Preventive Action Plan for the Effects of Excess Temperatures on Health is activated every year from May to September and includes, among other measures, the publication of a weekly report on the risk situation on the Health web portal.
The health authorities monitor daily temperatures and weather forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency five days in advance and also monitor mortality that occurs during this period.
This plan aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with high temperatures, since it has been observed that three or more consecutive days of great heat can be accompanied by an increase in these figures.
Alert levels are assigned taking into account the thresholds established for the Principality, which place maximum temperatures at 26 degrees. EFE