Malacañang announced Wednesday that the Department of Health (DoH) has placed all public hospitals and health facilities on “Code White” alert to ensure readiness and adequate personnel to respond to potential health emergencies, particularly heatstroke, during the Lenten season.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the heightened alert status began on 13 April and will remain in effect until Easter Sunday.

“Let me say that the Department of Health has declared Code White on all our hospitals. That means they are ready for all the incidents that can happen to people traveling for this Holy Week,” Herbosa said.

Herbosa also advised the public to take precautions during activities that could lead to heat-related illnesses.

A Code White Alert signifies that hospitals are prepared with available general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) to respond to emergencies at any time.

Herbosa strongly recommended that those spending time outdoors use sunscreen, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

He also urged individuals experiencing extremely high body temperatures to cool down immediately, noting that symptoms of heat-related illness include intense thirst and cold sweats.