Europe's Heatwave: Paris Bans Alcohol and Sees Surge in Cardiac Arrests

A heatwave is sweeping across Europe, prompting France to declare an emergency. In Paris, the consumption and sale of alcohol in public spaces have been temporarily banned to alleviate pressure on hospitals. French authorities announced that the ban will be in place from Friday afternoon to Saturday morning and from Saturday to Sunday during the same hours. Package alcohol sales will also be suspended from 6 pm to 7 am on both days, while sales in restaurants and bars are exempt. Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure stated that the city's hospitals are at critical capacity, putting the healthcare system under significant strain. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu declared that the health alert level has been raised to the highest level. As a result, hospitals will increase staff numbers and implement additional measures to protect the elderly and those in high-risk groups. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist noted that the heatwave affects not only the elderly but also young people. She stated that cardiac arrest cases treated by ambulance teams in Paris have increased fourfold in the past 24 hours, emphasizing the serious health risks posed by the heat. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire warned of rising mortality rates in the city and urged citizens to avoid outdoor exercise for the next few days. Due to the heatwave, three French nuclear power plants have temporarily halted production, and some regions have issued storm warnings with gusts reaching up to 110 km/h. According to meteorologists, the heatwave will shift towards Eastern Europe, particularly Germany and the Czech Republic, in the coming days. Temperatures in Germany are expected to reach 40 degrees, and the Czech Republic has issued its highest heatwave warning.