With some schools already closed for the holidays and the Easter long weekend on the way, here are a few ideas for outdoor activities that are less likely to promote the spread of COVID-19.
With some schools already closed for the holidays and the Easter long weekend on the way, here are a few ideas for outdoor activities that are less likely to promote the spread of COVID-19.
When you’re outside, fresh air is constantly moving, dispersing droplets. So you’re less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine. Being outside offers other benefits, too. It offers an emotional boost and can help you feel less tense, stressed, angry or depressed. And sunlight can also give your body vitamin D.
Picnics. Pack a picnic basket with delicious and healthy food at home. Or pick up food from your favourite restaurant or food truck. You might be able to get your food delivered to you. Take it to enjoy at your favourite public park, or eat out on your patio, ‘stoep’ or in your garden on a blanket.
Outdoor farmers markets. Wear a mask when you’re in crowded areas and maintain a social distance of at least 2 metres from others.
Restaurant patio dining.
Camping. Just remember to pack hand soap, hand sanitizer and supplies to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Swimming pools and beaches.
Gathering with small groups of friends. For people who haven’t been vaccinated, allow for social distancing between people from different households and skip the hugs and handshakes when meeting outdoors in small groups. Plan activities that don’t require close contact, such as sidewalk chalk for kids and games like kickball. And remember to bring hand sanitizer. Just getting together for a chat at a safe distance can offer a valuable opportunity to be with people you care about, and boost your mood at the same time.
Boating with friends. If you’re unvaccinated, canoeing, kayaking or rowing with people who don't live in your household is riskier than doing these activities with only those from your own household.
Braais and campfires. Have a braai in the backyard. Or if the weather is cool, bundle up in warm clothes and sit around a fire pit.
Use your Fedhealth screening benefit to have your health checked out
When April comes around, it’s time for Easter fun but also for getting your annual flu vaccination (FREE to all Fedhealth beneficiaries). Remember, as part of the Fedhealth screening benefit, you can also have important health risk assessments done to check things like your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and BMI.
