Extreme Heat during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Many Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies have had to deal with the dual risks of COVID-19 and extreme heat, amongst many other disasters.
For many staff and volunteers, the heat risks may be amplified due to considerations for COVID-19 like wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). At the same time, vulnerable individuals may be reluctant to seek cool spaces during a heat wave, out of fear of infection.
These guidance materials provide practical steps that National Societies can take to protect staff, volunteers, and vulnerable people from heat extremes. This material is adapted from the Global Heat Health Information Network’s Heat and COVID-19 Information Series.