The City Council of Madrid has withdrawn 4,000 non-certified glasses for the solar eclipse. Police and Samur services have been reinforced due to the expected large turnout.
The Deputy Mayor of Madrid, Inma Sanz, announced the withdrawal of 4,000 glasses for observing the solar eclipse scheduled for this Wednesday, after detecting that they did not meet the necessary safety requirements. This action is part of a campaign by the Municipal Institute of Consumption that has inspected opticians, bazaars, and hypermarkets in recent weeks. During her visit to an information booth in the Centro district, Sanz highlighted the importance of using certified protection during the astronomical phenomenon.
The deficiencies found in the glasses included a lack or insufficiency of information about the manufacturer, absence of batch or model, and shortcomings in the usage instructions. The Deputy Mayor called on citizens to follow the recommended guidelines and avoid looking directly at the Sun without proper protection, as even during a partial eclipse there is a risk of eye damage.
“It is crucial to use certified glasses at all times,” emphasized Sanz, who also warned about the dangers associated with solar radiation and recommended alternating brief periods of observation with breaks, especially for children.
In addition to the withdrawal of the defective glasses, the City Council has implemented additional measures in anticipation of a large public turnout during the event. The Municipal Police and Samur-Civil Protection forces have been reinforced, and they will be present at strategic points such as La Gavia park and the northern area of Barajas.
Sanz also reminded that it is essential to act responsibly when observing from public roads: “One should not stop in the middle of the street or use these glasses while driving.”
As the astronomical event approaches, Madrid Salud is distributing the last available units in stock for free alongside its information tent located near the Mario Vargas Llosa municipal library. This effort aims to ensure that all attendees have access to appropriate information on how to enjoy the eclipse without risking their visual health.
Throughout the day of the eclipse, it is advisable to follow official guidelines and stay hydrated due to the high temperatures forecasted. For those interested in observing this natural phenomenon from safe locations, it is recommended to arrive early at designated points where municipal staff will provide supervision.
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