Manila suspends on-site classes in all levels on Wednesday (April 24)

Manila City Hall (File photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Manila announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private, on Wednesday, April 24.

According to the Manila City Public Information Office, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan declared the suspension based on the forecast danger heat index of 43°C (degrees Celsius) on Wednesday.

“Schools are advised to shift to asynchronous classes,” the office said in an advisory.

The state weather bureau defines the heat index as “the measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

A heat index ranging from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius is considered to be in the “danger category.”

READ: Pagasa: ‘Extreme danger’ heat levels still to come

Such temperatures may lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke after continued exposure to heat and sunlight.

Symptoms of such illnesses, according to the Department of Health, include:

Heat cramps – muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headache and vomiting.

Heat exhaustion – fatigue, weakness, headache, nausea.

Heat stroke – loss of consciousness, confusion or disorientation and heart attack.

Should anyone experience such symptoms, the DOH advises the affected persons to find a shade and rest, remove layered clothing, apply cold compress, drink cold water slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.

READ: DOH logs 34 cases of heat-related illness so far this year

On the other hand, the DOH said heat-related illnesses can be avoided by staying hydrated, avoiding sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, wearing loose and light clothes, limiting outdoor activities, and wearing protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreens.