The Department of Health (DoH) has reminded the public to stay in cool places and observe safety measures as the country experiences extreme heat during the Holy Week break.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that Code White has been declared in all hospitals nationwide, indicating readiness to respond to emergencies during the observance of the holiday.

Amid the soaring temperatures, Herbosa emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and using sun protection to prevent heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable groups.

“Sunscreen for those going out, hydration, and not staying too long in the sun — those are very important,” Herbosa said.

He urged the public to temporarily avoid going to beaches or engaging in prolonged exposure to the sun.

Herbosa listed early signs of heat-related illness, including thirst, cold sweats, fatigue and weakness. He advised taking immediate action to cool down when experiencing these symptoms.

“The first thing to do if you’re thirsty is drink plenty of water. If you feel weak or fatigued — what we call heat fatigue — take shelter in a shaded area or stay in air-conditioned spaces,” he said.