Students not to partake in strenuous activities between 11 am to 3.30 pm

All schools have been instructed not to involve children in strenuous outdoor activities when the temperature is intense, stated the Ministry of Education.

Accordingly, students are not to be involved in strenuous outdoor activities between 11 am and 3.30 pm.

The Family Health Bureau of the Health Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine has made recommendations to the Ministry of Education on the measures to be taken at school level in the face of the prevailing hot weather.

While excessive heat may cause intensification of illnesses such as stress, muscle cramps, unconsciousness, and heart and lung diseases, children have been identified as a risk group for these complications.

Accordingly, the Health Ministry has informed that it is advisable to take the following measures to protect school children from these complications:

- Drink water frequently
- Avoid consuming of high-sugar drinks
- Wear covering headwear or use umbrellas when outdoors
- Minimize unnecessary outdoor activities
- Wear light-colored clothing
- Applying water on face and hands when it is too hot
- Not engage in strenuous outdoor activities between 11 am – 3.00/3.30 pm, when the heat is most intense 

Further, schools have also been advised to take the following precautions:

- Provide adequate drinking water in the school
- Advise to bring a paper fan if possible
- Educate and train first aid groups in schools on the matter
- Educate children and teachers on the matter
- Identify health issues at the earliest and provide first aid and prompt medical attention when needed
- Keep containers of water in classrooms keep the body dry and cool
- Keep doors and windows open in classrooms for better ventilation
- Inform parents not to send sick children to school until they are healed