The government’s UK Health Security Agency has put “cold health alerts” for the central and northern parts of England, running from yesterday at 6pm to 5 December.
For the northern parts of England, an amber alert is in place. This predicts significant impacts to the sectors with an increased risk to people aged 65 and over and with underlying health conditions.
For the Midlands, a yellow alert is in place warning of minor impacts to the health and social care sectors, with an increased risk of death amongst vulnerable people.
On the UK as a whole, it states: “Conditions across the UK are forecast to turn increasingly cold through the week with overnight frosts becoming sharp and widespread with only limited recovery of temperatures by day.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “With a risk of widespread overnight frosts and some snow across the country this week, it’s important to check in on the wellbeing of those most vulnerable to the cold.
“Cold weather can have a serious impact on health, particularly older people, and those with pre-existing health conditions, as it increases the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and chest infections.
“If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over the age of 65, it is important to try and heat the rooms where you spend most of your time in, such as your living room or bedroom.”
