The Greek Ministry of Labor and Social Security has implemented a stringent order restricting outdoor work during the most intense periods of an ongoing heatwave. Businesses are now mandated to halt heavy outdoor labor activities, including manual labor, deliveries, and construction, from noon until 5 PM. This directive comes as temperatures in parts of Greece and neighboring countries are forecasted to reach 42 degrees Celsius, with some municipalities previously recording temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in the sun.
The mandatory work stoppage is effective from Tuesday, July 16 to Friday, July 19 and may be extended based on advisement from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), which is actively monitoring the situation. The Ministry is also conducting random checks to ensure compliance, with penalties for violations including fines and license revocations. Official details can be viewed on the labor ministry’s website.
The intense heat has further complicated southern Europe’s already critical wildfire situation. Numerous wildfires have erupted across the region, with Greece reporting 37 new fires within a 24-hour period. Various countries, including North Macedonia and Bulgaria, are mobilizing to combat the blazes, as indicated by recent information from the European Union. The heatwave has also led to several fatalities, including an elderly man in Albania and multiple tourists in Spain.
In Italy, extreme heat warnings have been issued for 12 cities. Local authorities across the region are bracing for potentially worsening conditions as the emergency measures are put into place.
For further details on the ongoing developments, please refer to the original report on Jurist.