The Greek government has ordered mandatory closures in some areas in response to the heatwave, suspending outdoor labor and food delivery services.

According to the Associated Press, on July 7 (local time), the Greek government issued mandatory closure orders for regions where temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

The Greek government has ordered mandatory closures in some areas due to a heatwave warning. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

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According to the report, the Ministry of Labor ordered the suspension of outdoor labor and food delivery services from noon to 5 p.m. on this day. This measure mainly applies to central Greece and several island regions. Authorities also recommended that employers allow workers to choose remote work.

However, no separate emergency measures were implemented in the capital, Athens. The current heatwave is expected to continue until July 10.

Greek authorities stated that they are taking long-term measures to address the impact of climate change, including deploying the largest number of firefighters ever this summer.

Tourists with parasols at Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Photo by AFP.

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Earlier, France also recommended school closures and remote work in response to the heatwave on July 1. According to Yonhap News, 16 regions nationwide, including Paris and the greater metropolitan area, raised their alert level from orange to red. On the previous evening, the French government held an inter-ministerial crisis response meeting at the Ministry of the Interior and implemented various measures. The Ministry of Labor urged companies to protect employees and requested adjustments to working hours, such as suspending intensive labor during vulnerable periods.

The Ministry of Education also repeatedly emphasized the need for schools to take measures against the heatwave. Out of 45,000 public schools in France, about 200 will be fully or partially closed until August 2.

The Paris Police Prefecture expects that high temperatures and strong sunlight will contribute to increased ozone levels. Authorities recommended that citizens limit vehicle use as much as possible and utilize remote work.