Global partnership urges stronger preparation for hot weather during COVID-19

As the Northern hemisphere enters what is expected to be another record-breaking heat season, the network of health and climate experts have called for stronger preparation to keep people safe in hot weather without increasing the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

The ongoing pandemic amplifies the health risks of hot weather for many people, including those also at risk of COVID-19. Countries and communities, therefore, need to prepare now for a hot summer. Adjusted communications and outreach strategies will also be needed, as common actions to reduce heat-related illness and death – such as leaving dangerously hot homes for cooler air-conditioned public spaces, home visits to check on vulnerable people, and receiving urgent medical attention for signs of heat stroke – may be impossible or in contradiction to public health recommendations and protocols to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

To help governments and health professionals prepare for these compounding threats to public health, an information series has been developed to help local decision-makers be more informed about how to manage the health risks of hot weather during COVID-19.

The information series features a technical brief, questions and answers on key issues, and a planning checklist for managing heat risk during the pandemic.

Along with the Joint World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization Office for Climate and Health, and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Program Office, collaborating partners in developing this information series include the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Natural Resources Defense Council, C40 Cool Cities Network, as well as academic, public health agencies, and meteorological services from dozens of countries.

COVID-19 interactions with hot weather

While environmental conditions likely play a limited role in determining where and when COVID-19 occurs, hot weather can compound impacts and worsen outcomes for COVID-19 patients, could increase transmission rates as people congregate outdoors and in public spaces, and the additional caseload of heat stress patients can place strain on healthcare and other critical systems at a time when many are already at the breaking point. In areas affected by high number of COVID-19 cases, a severe heat event could result in mass casualties and significant health impacts.

COVID-19 has amplified the risks of hot weather for many at-risk groups who are vulnerable to both COVID-19 and heat stress. Due to job losses and extended stay-at-home orders, people considered at risk for heat illness may be in more precarious socio-economic conditions.

All heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable, but in the context of COVID-19 approaches should be adapted to local contexts, communications and outreach, and coordination and preparedness are needed.

At the government level, heightened coordination and heat preparedness, including reviewing and modifying heat plans and local guidance should be happening now, before the heat season starts.

In the healthcare sector, medical professionals and other first responders should be trained to watch out for potential heat stress cases, and should be aware of the additional heat risks they themselves may face while wearing personal protective equipment and working in hot conditions.

Original source: WMO
Published on 26 May 2020