Ministry of Health Urges Sectors to take Necessary Precautions as El Niño Brings More Heat

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Nutrition advises that the high temperatures and periods of persistent heat should not be regarded solely as a short-term inconvenience. The persistent high temperatures, particularly when accompanied by high humidity, can have significant effects on health and well-being and may also place additional pressure on water supplies, agriculture, workplaces, schools, and other sectors. Education sector, children may be particularly affected by prolonged exposure to excessive heat. The ministry advises schools, early childhood facilities, and other educational institutions to ensure that students have adequate supplies and access to safe drinking water if needed. Water and rest breaks should be considered during periods of excessive heat. Prolonged outdoor assemblies, gatherings, and other activities in direct sunlight should be avoided or shortened during peak heat hours. Physical education classes, sports, and other strenuous outdoor activities should where possible be scheduled during cooler periods of the day, particularly the early morning. Classrooms should be kept as cool and well ventilated as possible through the use of safe ventilation, fans, shading, and other available cooling measures. Schools should consider relocating activities to cooler areas where possible. Particular attention should be given to students and staff with medical conditions that may be aggravated by heat, dehydration, or excessive sweating. Outdoor workers and employers, persons working in construction, agriculture, landscaping, road works, sanitation, security, and other outdoor occupations face increased risk of heat related illness. Employers are encouraged to implement practical heat protection measures, including use of sun protection, scheduling strenuous task during cooler periods where possible, ensuring adequate supplies of safe drinking water, ensuring access to shaded or cool rest areas for rest and hydration breaks. Workers should be encouraged to recognize and report early symptoms of heat related illness. Anyone experiencing dizziness, weakness, nausea, severe headache, muscle cramps or faintness should stop strainous activity and move to a cooler location. Tourism and hospitality sector. St. Lucia's tourism and hospitality sector is encouraged to take additional measures to protect both visitors and employees. Hotels, tour operators, excursion providers, attractions, and other tourism establishments should ensure adequate access to drinking water, shaded rest areas, and opportunities for cooling. Visitors may not be used to the intensity of the Caribbean heat and should be advised to maintain adequate hydration, use appropriate sun protection, and limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Hiking, sightseeing, boating, and other outdoor excursions should take prevailing heat conditions into consideration. Tall operators should provide opportunities for hydration and rest and should monitor participants for signs of heat related illness. Sports and recreational activities. Sporting organizations, coaches, schools, gyms, and event organizers should consider the temperature, humidity, and level of physical exertion when planning outdoor activities. Training and competitions should, where possible, be scheduled outside peak heat periods. Frequent water, rest, and cooling breaks should be provided, and the intensity or duration of activities should be reduced when conditions warrant. Activities should be stopped immediately if a participant develops signs of heat related illness. vulnerable populations, older persons, young children, and persons with chronic conditions. Special attention should be given to older persons, infants and young children, pregnant women, persons living alone and individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Persons with diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory disease, kidney disease, cickle cell, dermatological conditions, and other chronic conditions should take additional precautions and follow the advice of the healthcare provider regarding hydration and medication. Family members, neighbors, and caregivers are encouraged to check regularly on vulnerable persons, particularly those living alone or in homes with limited ventilation or cooling. Water conservation and dry conditions. The anticipated effects of El Nino may include reduced rainfall and increased risk of drought in parts of the Caribbean. The public is therefore encouraged to use water responsibly while continuing to maintain adequate personal hydration. Households, schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities, tourism establishments, and other institutions should review their arrangements for maintaining access to safe drinking water during periods of prolonged hot and dry weather. Safe water collection and storage practices should be used to avoid contamination and waterbornne illness. Dust and air quality. Hot and dry conditions may coincide with periods of increased dusk or reduced air quality. Saharan dust episodes can also affect the Caribbean and may aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. Persons with asthma or respiratory illnesses should monitor their symptoms, take prescribed medication as directed, and limit strenuous outdoor activity when air quality is poor. Anyone experiencing significant difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. The Ministry of Health urges individuals from the various sectors to take the appropriate precautionary measures to deal with the effects of the prolonged heat.