Germany could introduce siestas to help workers as 40C heatwave cripples Europe
Germany is considering introducing siesta's to help cope with the crippling heat across Europe.
Temperatures are currently soaring throughout much of the continent, with public health group BVOeGD recommending Olaf Scholz's government follow Spain's suit where afternoon naps are commonplace in the summer.
It is hoped such a move would mean workers are more "efficient" and health risks can be reduced, with temperatures having soared to nearly 40C yesterday.
Health minister Karl Lauterbach said a siesta was "certainly no bad proposal", adding employers and workers should negotiate together to come to a solution.
Lauterbach is currently holidaying in Italy and tweeted that high temperatures prevented him visiting Rome for a day trip. He wrote: "My daughter would rather stay in the pool while I will read. Next try tomorrow."
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The heat in Rome has hit 42C with tourists seen collapsing (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)BDA employers association said it was open to the idea of siestas. It said more flexible working hours could allow for longer midday breaks. Germany has escaped the kind of temperatures scorching southern Europe this week, though is averaging around the mid-30s. Bavaria, meanwhile, has seen the country's record high so far at 38.8C.
Johannes Niessen, BVOeGD chief, advised Germans follow the habits of those more used to hotter climes. "Get up early, work productively in the morning, and take a siesta at midday," he said in an interview published by the RND media network on Tuesday.
"People are not as efficient in strong heat as they are otherwise,' Niessen continued. "Moreover bad sleep in the absence of cooling in the night leads to concentration problems."
He also called for "sufficient fans and lighter clothing, even if the attire rules for an office don't allow it".
Civil protection workers set up a 'help point' in front of the Colosseum to help people coping with the high temperatures (AFP via Getty Images)"A cold footbath under the desk would be another option to stay cool while working from home," he said.
Hospitals across Italy are struggling to cope with the volume of patients with heat-related illnesses as temperatures hit 41.8C. Pictures show people dipping their heads into water fountains to cool off.
Medics there were seen treating tourists, including children, who had collapsed from heatstroke while visiting the Colosseum in the country's capital.
Repubblica reports a 25% increase in people arriving at hospital emergency units suffering with dehydration or heatstroke.
Another heatwave is also on the cards in Greece tomorrow, with meteorologists warning the worst is still to come.
A fireman runs away from blazes as he tries to control a wildfire in New Peramos, near Athens (AFP via Getty Images)Firefighters have been battling wildfires around holiday homes close to the capital Athens. Temperatures hit 43C on Sunday.
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"Although the winds will recede from Thursday, this doesn't mean that the dangers of fires will lessen," Greek meteorologist Theodoros Yiannaros told broadcaster ERT.
"There will be a drop in danger perhaps tomorrow but during the weekend, the risk will be very high. Difficult times are ahead of us."
Three regions of Spain are also under red alerts with the mercury soaring to 44C in Zaragoza on Tuesday. The UN weather agency has warned temperatures in southern Europe could break the 48.8C record set in Sicily in 2021.
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