According to the RKI, more than 3,000 heat-related illnesses have been reported in NRW, with over 1,100 cases requiring hospitalization.[548805][431041] The Aachener Zeitung reported that over 3,100 heat-related illnesses have been reported in NRW, with many more cases expected as the heat wave continues.[548805][414824] The NRW government has issued a warning, advising citizens to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.[431041][414824] The heat wave has also affected the region's schools, with the NRW-OVG changing its guidelines for the start of the new school year.[414824][431019] In a related development, the Aachener Zeitung reported that the government has announced plans to increase funding for heat-related illnesses.[414824][471637]