The Health Bureau (SSM) has issued a public health advisory in response to this week’s “significant” drop in the temperature.
Moreover, a “Yellow” cold weather alert was issued by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) yesterday, forecasting cold weather in Macau today and tomorrow. The observatory urged the public, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, to bundle up to keep warm.
The observatory forecast on its website last night that the mercury will drop to between 9 and 14 degrees Celsius today.
According to Tuesday’s SSM statement, the Health Bureau specifically urged the public to remain alert in preventing hypothermia*, warning vulnerable groups in particular about the potentially fatal condition. The bureau recommended several precautionary measures, including wearing appropriately layered clothing, ensuring indoor spaces are kept warm and ventilated, consuming warm and easily digestible foods and drinks, and limiting time spent outdoors in the cold.
The Health Bureau also advised members of the public to check on elderly neighbours or relatives, monitor their health conditions, and ensure they take prescribed medication. In case of an emergency where someone shows signs of hypothermia, such as a sustained drop in body temperature, muscle stiffness, or confusion, the public should call 999 or the Fire Services Bureau (CB) on 2857 2222 for assistance.
The statement pointed out that when calling for help, it is crucial to clearly state that the patient is believed to have hypothermia, and to provide their age, gender, symptoms such as whether the patient is conscious, confused, or unconscious, and the exact address. This will allow the ambulance to arrive promptly and enable medical institutions to prepare appropriately for the emergency, the statement said.
*Hypothermia is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low drop in core body temperature. – DeepSeek
Shoppers are bundled up yesterday afternoon looking for souvenirs and warm clothing near S. Domingos Market close to the city’s main square, Largo do Senado. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
