Manila City Government Suspends Face-to-Face Classes Due to Extreme Heat
The city government of Manila has announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private, on Wednesday, April 24. This decision was made in response to the forecasted danger heat index of 43°C (degrees Celsius) on Wednesday.
Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan of Manila declared the suspension, urging schools to shift to asynchronous classes. The state weather bureau defines the heat index as a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself. A heat index in the range of 42°C to 51°C is considered to be in the “danger category.”
Such high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke after prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight. Symptoms of these illnesses include muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness.
The Department of Health advises individuals experiencing these symptoms to find shade, rest, remove layered clothing, apply cold compress, drink cold water slowly, and seek immediate medical assistance.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH recommends staying hydrated, avoiding certain beverages, wearing loose and light clothing, limiting outdoor activities, and using sun protection like caps, umbrellas, and sunscreen.
The DOH also reported that 34 cases of heat-related illnesses have been logged so far this year. It is crucial for residents to take precautions in such extreme heat conditions to ensure their well-being.
