The ultraviolet (UV) index in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern localities will be at a 'very high' level over the next days, the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHF) reported.

The highest UV level in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday was 9.5 and is expected to reach 10 from February 18 to 20.

In other southern localities such as Can Tho City and Ca Mau Province, the UV index is forecast to be at nine to 10 between February 17 and 29.

In the central city of Da Nang, the UV index reached 7.9 at noon on Wednesday and will remain at around seven over the next three days.

The highest UV level in Hanoi was only at 2.7 on Wednesday, but will increase to three, four, and six on February 18, 19, and 20, respectively.

According to the NCHF, the UV index at 2.5-5.4 is considered moderate, while the 5.5-7.4 range is high and 7.5-10.4 is very high.

A UV reading at the very high level can penetrate clouds and glass windows, while causing sunburn after 25 minutes of exposure.

Residents are advised to stay indoors from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Those who need to go out outside should protect themselves with jackets, gloves, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as staying hydrated by drinking sufficient water and eat fruits rich in vitamin C.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is still complicated in multiple localities in the country, people must also comply with the five rules of coronavirus prevention and control, namely wearing face masks, disinfecting, keeping safe distance, avoid gatherings, and filling out health declaration forms.

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