News: Snaking queues continue, DStv offers access to news channels for free as coronavirus persist

Being outdoors is entirely compatible with the self-isolation now recommended for all South Africans, official guidelines say.

And it is also a good idea to give domestic staff some time off.

According to government guidelines on self-isolation, safe activities include cleaning out a closet or reading a book, though you should take care when going to the library.

Good ideas include not having non-essential staff in your home, and not subjecting such staff to mass transit.

In the meanwhile stores and hospitals continue to struggle to cope with panicky behaviour by South Africans suddenly convinced they need to stock up on food, or need to be tested for the SARS-Cov-2 virus.

South Africa now has official guidance on social distancing, with activities classified into things to avoid, things to do with caution, and recommended activities.

High up on the “safe to do” list: getting outdoors. Taking a walk, going for a hike, gardening, or playing in the garden are all safe, the government says. (It is not entirely clear how vulnerable the novel coronavirus is to UV light, but being outdoors slows similar diseases, and is generally good for the immune system.)

You can, but should be cautious when, visiting a restaurant or grocery store, the guidelines say.And you should avoid group gatherings, gyms – and “non-essential workers in your house”.

Domestic workers should in any event not be using mass transit, which all South Africans have been advised to avoid.

Source: businessinsider.co.za