Well, the jury is still out as we wait for the regulations around Level 3 to be finalised. For now, we urge you not to become complacent and continue being responsible.
Being Responsible
As much as many people are eager to return to the physical office space, we need to exercise caution. When you do return – do so carefully, slowly, responsibly, and safely.
One of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to continue with the first line of defense which is washing your hands thoroughly and regularly. This simple, yet effective action will minimise the spread of the virus. If you do not wash your hands, you can spread the virus to others or infect yourself by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
What’s Out
Our economic sector gears to move forward, with caution and with restrictions still in place as indicated in the graphic below.
Decision Making
In a few days we will be in Level 3. For many of us, it means making difficult decisions for ourselves and our loved ones.
- Is it necessary for me to return to the physical office environment?
- Do I send the kids to school or not?
- What mode of transport do I use?
- I have missed my family back home. Should I visit them?
- The gym is still closed, but I can exercise at any time. The onus is on each of us to be responsible and stick to social distancing and wear a mask.
- The sale of alcohol will resume, with limitations in place.
These are some of the difficult choices that many of us are sitting with.
Winter Blues
Winter is here and so the chances of us getting sick are increasing.
If you do not feel well, and display the symptoms associated with COVID-19, i.e. you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain and tiredness – basically, if you are not your normal chirpy self, then refrain from going to the office or sending your child to school.
Be responsible, stay home, get well and keep yourself and those around you safe.
Epicentre vs Hotspot
COVID-19 has introduced terminology we wouldn’t normally use. We read or heard that Wuhan was an epicentre and that Sandton is a hotspot. What does this mean? An epicentre is in the case of South Africa, a province. An example of this is the Western Cape. Hotspots on the other hand, are towns, cities, townships etc in the epicentre.
In the Western Cape, the following hotspots have been identified as these are the areas where the majority of COVID-19 cases have been reported. They are Tygerberg, Khayelitsha and Klipfontein. This could change depending on whether we adhere to social distancing, hand washing, hand sanitizing and wearing of masks all of which have been implemented to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19.
This is our new reality and is going to be around for the foreseeable future. So, let’s get with the programme and make it work for us and those around us by committing to do this the right way, putting people first.