Cooling centres have opened for the heatwave. But access is strictly limited
People aged over 75 with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and anyone taking lithium can use them
Just four people have used Malta's cooling centres since they were activated last week, despite temperatures soaring above 40°C.
The low uptake may reflect the strict eligibility criteria for the service, which is reserved for those considered most vulnerable to extreme heat.
Only people aged over 75 with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, as well as anyone taking lithium, can book a place at one of the designated cooling centres.
Those who meet the criteria should have received an SMS from Public Health inviting them to call a dedicated helpline to reserve a place.
The helpline number has not been made public to ensure the service remains available to those who need it most.
So far, two people made use of the centres on Sunday. A further two people used them on Tuesday.
A cooling centre is an indoor, air-conditioned space where vulnerable people can spend time in a cooler environment during periods of extreme heat.
There are 14 cooling centres across Malta and Gozo, most of them located within care homes, as well as one at Gozo General Hospital. Additional centres at Active Ageing facilities can be opened if demand increases.
The centres operate from 8am to 7pm, with same-day bookings accepted until 5pm.
Capacity varies between locations. The cooling centre in Gżira can accommodate three people, while one in St Paul’s Bay has space for 45. Active Ageing centres will be brought into use once occupancy at the care home facilities reaches 70%.
Cooling centres in active ageing centres will be used once those inside care homes reach 70 per cent occupancy.
Those who do not fall within the eligible groups can call 21231231 for advice on protecting their health during hot weather.
The cooling centres were activiated under Malta’s Heat Health Action Plan last week as temperatures reached record highs.
Saturday’s maximum of 43.3°C was the highest July temperature recorded in Malta, surpassing the previous monthly record of 42.7°C set in 2023. The temperature reached 42.3°C on Monday.
Temperatures hit 42°C on Tuesday, according to the Met Office.
The heat should begin to ease gradually from Wednesday, with a forecast high of 39°C, before dropping to around 36°C on Thursday and Friday.
The Health Ministry urged the public to keep cool, avoid direct sunlight and drink water regularly.
The Superintendence of Public Health warned that high temperatures can cause the body to lose water quickly, increasing the risk of dehydration.
Extreme heat can also lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Symptoms include weakness, faintness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, heavy sweating and intense thirst.