SKOPJE, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in North Macedonia issued a nationwide orange heatwave alert, urging citizens to abide by heat advice measures over the next nine days, the Media Information Agency (MIA) reported on Monday.
According to the MIA, the country's government recommends the exemption of most at-risk groups from work, such as pregnant women and persons over the age of 60, by working remotely from home and children in kindergartens to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The country's Hydrometeorological Service said that a heatwave is projected to persist across much of the country in the next 10 days.
The government has advised state agencies and local authorities to be ready to deal immediately with the effects of the heat.
The government also recommended that the private sector reschedule working hours to protect people from direct exposure to the sun.
Citizens are advised to spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces; take regular breaks in the shade; and wear light clothing, sunglasses, and hats.
"Before driving in the heat, vehicles have to be aired out. Due to the heatwave, there's also an increased risk of food poisoning. People should wash thoroughly fruits and vegetables before eating and cook all other foods," the government said in a press release.
As temperatures hit record highs in the Mediterranean, countries such as Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Türkiye, and Greece, are feeling the heat. Temperatures are expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius across the region during this week. ■