Heat-health alert issued by Public Health England

Latest update

PHE warns of increased health risks as hot weather extends to Thursday

Public Health England (PHE) has extended its heat-health alert as the Met Office forecasts the current hot weather will last until Thursday 22 July.

Much of England can expect hot weather, particularly in the South West and parts of southern and central England. High temperatures are also expected to persist in these areas overnight offering little respite throughout this period.

Health risks can increase over a prolonged period of heat. PHE has issued a Level 3 heat-health alert which is supported by an amber extreme heat warning issued today by the Met Office.

Dr Owen Landeg, Scientific and Technical Lead at PHE, said:

Everybody can be affected by high temperatures and most people are aware of good health advice for coping with hot weather. However, it’s important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

As we experience the first hot weather episode of the year, it’s important for everyone to remember to adapt their behaviours. This is particularly important during the pandemic with many people self-isolating.

Most of us want to enjoy the sun. Remember to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.

Chief Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office Steven Ramsdale said:

The high temperatures are going to continue through a large part of this week, with temperatures regularly in the high 20s and low 30s Celsius by day, along with high overnight temperatures.

Many areas of the UK will continue to reach heatwave thresholds, and whilst the highest temperatures are likely to be in central and southern parts of the UK, some of the most unusually high temperatures are likely to be seen over parts of the west, particularly over Northern Ireland. There’s also a continuing risk of isolated thundery downpours late in the afternoons but most should stay dry until later in the week. Temperatures should fall for most areas into the weekend along with some more unsettled conditions also looking to develop.

The top ways for staying safe during a heatwave are to:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk

  • stay cool indoors: many of us may need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool

  • close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors

  • use cool spaces considerately if going outdoors, and wash your hands regularly

  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol

  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest

  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat

  • avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day

  • make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling

  • take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into open water to cool down – during warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief

  • remember that while coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are in place, you will need to follow any additional government guidance to use public spaces safely

Previous

Thursday 15 July 2021

Much of England is forecast to experience very warm weather from Saturday night through to Tuesday morning.

Dr Owen Landeg, Scientific and Technical Lead at PHE, said:

Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy. However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk.

If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts.

It’s also worth remembering the practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.

Will Lang, Head of Civil Contingencies at the Met Office, said:

Across most parts of the UK we’re expecting to see temperatures building, reaching heatwave thresholds across the majority of England over the weekend. High temperatures will remain a feature of the forecast until Tuesday, when fresher conditions arrive curtailing heatwave levels.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated; older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
  • stay cool indoors – many of us may need to stay safe at home this summer, so know how to keep your home cool
  • close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • use cool spaces considerately if going outdoors, and wash your hands regularly
  • drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
  • never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  • try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
  • walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
  • avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
  • make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
  • during warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief; take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into open water to cool down
  • remember that while coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are in place, you will need to follow any additional government guidance to use public spaces safely



Chief Executive change at ESFA

News story

Eileen Milner to stand down as Chief Executive of ESFA

Dame Irene Lucas-Hays, ESFA Chair, said:

Eileen Milner, currently the Chief Executive of ESFA, will become Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, in the autumn.

When Eileen took the leadership role, in November 2017, ESFA was in its infancy after changing its structure in March 2017, following a merger of the Skills Funding Agency and Education Funding Agency. Eileen has been responsible for successfully overseeing billions of pounds worth of funding into the education and skills system and delivering on its promise, as a funding agency, to ensure year-on-year funding is delivered on time and with accuracy, including throughout the past year during the pandemic.

I, and her colleagues at ESFA, have welcomed and very much appreciated Eileen’s measured and calm approach, and her authentic communications and leadership style. I truly believe that Eileen has led the ESFA with great skill and competency and it has been a pleasure working with her.

I would like to thank Eileen for all that she has done for ESFA, the education system and the sector. I wish her all the very best in her new role.

Published 14 July 2021




£1.2 million fund will help UK make space safer

One of the biggest challenges facing the space sector is orbital congestion and space debris. There are currently around 3,000 working satellites in orbit, and an estimated 130 million other pieces of debris, including old satellites, spent rocket bodies and even tools dropped by astronauts.

One collision could create thousands of small, fast-moving fragments, damaging the satellites that provide everyday services such as communications, weather forecasting or satellite navigation. This funding will help bolster the UK’s capabilities to track, monitor and reduce the risks of potentially dangerous encounters with satellites or even the crewed International Space Station.

Space debris is a global problem and the joint initiative announced today from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme (NSTP) and Space, Surveillance and Tracking Programme (SST) will enable UK companies to mature technologies and early phase concepts to help tackle the issue.

Projects should reduce the risks of dangerous collisions in space by monitoring, tracking or supporting the removal of potentially hazardous objects.

Proposals could include ideas to:

  • advance our capabilities to detect, track or identify objects in orbit
  • improve current approaches to compiling, cleaning or analysing data created by SST sensors
  • improve algorithms used to determine objects’ orbits, allowing us to predict conjunctions, fragmenting or re-entering
  • develop new technologies needed to conduct the removal of debris from orbit. This includes improving or developing new systems to help capture, manipulate, manoeuvre or de-orbit debris using another spacecraft.

The deadline for applications is midday on 25 August 2021 and organisations can bid for up to £200,000.

Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

Tracking satellites and reducing space debris will safeguard the services we all use every day to communicate with loved ones, access online banking, and study our ever-changing planet.

This funding will help grow our world-class space sector and provide pioneering minds with the resources they need to position the UK a global leader in Space Surveillance and Tracking.

New figures released by the UK Space Agency this month show strong growth in the UK space sector. Income rose from £14.8 billion in 2016/17 to £16.4 billion in 2018/19, representing a growth of 5.7 per cent in real terms, while employment rose by 3,200 from 41,900 to 45,100. Research and development spending rose 18 per cent in real terms from £595 million in 2016/17 to £702 million in 2018/19.




ESFA Update: 14 July 2021

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Chevening in Argentina

World news story

Chevening is a worldwide scholarship program offered by the UK Government.

Chevening

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarships programme. Established in 1983, these scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers. It accepts applicants from any area of study.

Below are examples of areas in which Alumni de Argentina have specialized:

Published 14 July 2021