Keep Your Distance!

We look at why it’s vital for all of us to follow the most effective way of curbing the coronavirus spread

- Duenna Mambana

Handshakes, hugs, high-fives and even elbow- bumps are starting to feel like greetings from an alien culture, as face masks and social distancing become the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with regular hand-washing, social distancing is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The virus isn’t airborne, so it can be spread only by contact between people – by touching an infected person, an object or surface they’ve touched or if they’ve coughed or sneezed near you.

The government lockdown was aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, but so many South Africans are still out and about as if there’s nothing going on.

Yet experts are clear: keep your distance. We look at why it’s important.

‘IT’S NOT FOR ME’

In recent weeks many of us have heard or read stories about people sneaking out to visit their loved ones, or simply carrying on with their lives as though we’re not under siege from an invisible, deadly enemy.

“Some people seem to think they can beat the system and sneak out to visit boyfriends and girlfriends, or continue seeing family and friends,” says medical scientist Veronica Mathebula.