Living and working during COVID-19

Superspreader events aren't limited to large gatherings only. We may assume a superspreader event is one where many people are together and we are safe when in smaller groups. However, any event where half the participants contract COVID-19 can be classified as a superspreader event - as these case studies show.

COVID-19 need not put a damper on your plans. Whether you're celebrating the religious holiday or simply taking time out for well-earned rest, there are many things you can do this April break to enjoy time with loved ones and even get out and about, while staying safe and healthy!

Here, we help you to understand how risky various activities might be in exposing you to COVID-19 and potential superspreader events. We list popular activities by level of risk and give you a handy seven-point check for each activity. Stay safe, stay healthy!

One major contribution to South Africa's second wave of infections was a superspreader event in early December 2020. Heading into a potential third wave of COVID-19 infection - possibly just after the April holiday period - it's critical that we prevent and avoid these events and keep our guard up.

South Africa has overcome the second wave of COVID-19 infection and moved to alert level 1. We're also approaching the April break - a time when people might, while relaxing with loved ones, be prone to relaxing their caution around preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, as experts warn, a third wave of infection could be upon us soon.

No matter how you're spending your time over the holidays, it's important to adhere to the preventive measures that limit your exposure to COVID-19 and keep you and others safe.

It's been a long year and with the approach of the festive season it's understandable that we are all looking forward to catching up with our loved ones and relaxing.

We're reaching the end of a challenging year. Exhausted people all over South Africa are looking forward to well-earned time out, either at home or at a holiday destination.

Adapting our daily behaviour includes taking care of our health. One of the ways we can stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is to eat healthily.

Vitality biokineticist Mari Leach says physical activity plays a key role in building immunity against the virus and contributing to our good health - both physically and mentally.

Is the fear of exposure to COVID 19 keeping you from seeing your doctor? Waiting too long to get help when we need it allows healthcare issues to escalate, some to the level at which they can cause serious complications or become life-threatening.

Psychologist James Gower reimagines the post pandemic workplace, and shares advice for employers on how to build a better, more productive future.

Listen to Prof Grobler discuss how COVID 19 has changed how we experience and talk about our mental health, especially in the workplace.

Mental wellbeing for healthcare professionals is always important, but even more so during the COVID 19 pandemic. In her new podcast, psychotherapist Louisa Niehaus, gives her views on challenges that healthcare professionals could face, and how to cope.

As sectors of the economy reopen for trade, business owners must take proactive steps to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Here, two of the NICD's experts share all that food-related businesses..

As we re-enter the workplace after extended stay-at-home periods, we might be forgiven for feeling like we're going into uncharted territory.

Many parents became instant teachers as South African schools closed in March. With plans to gradually reopen schools from June, there's no doubt that children's sense of safety could be challenged.

Dr Nici Zeeman, a GP with a special interest in breast and thyroid health at Apffelstaedt and Associates, shares seven steps women can take to deal with any breast health concerns and...

Retrenchment is becoming a more frequent occurrence because of COVID-19. We provide you with support and advice on how to manage the difficult task of letting someone go.

We share 10 ways in which workplaces are adapting, to meet the needs of a world changed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Losing a job because of COVID-19 can be devastating. Dr Colinda Linde shares insight into the grieving process and gives advice on how to assess your financial situation.

Clinical psychologist Joanna Kleovoulou urges parents to understand how the COVID 19 pandemic could impact their own and their children's mental health. How should parents respond to their children's needs in an age appropriate way, and go about protecting their mental health?

When you're pregnant, your mental wellbeing is of the utmost importance. But how do you stay positive when the stress and worry about COVID-19 affects us all?

How can you protect your employees from COVID 19 when they return to work? The NICD has shared advice on how to create a safe work environment.

Louisa Niehaus, psychotherapist and relationship expert, shares advice on how to manage your relationships during COVID-19. "This is an important time to pull together and draw on the unique strengths...

In the coming weeks and months, ever more businesses will resume operations and employees will return to the workplace. What should employers and staff understand about COVID-19 to stay healthy, and to prevent fear of and discrimination against individuals affected by this disease?

While indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, are our homes necessarily safe? Although we're all spending more time at home, it's still important to be vigilant with securing our homes.

As we move into Level 4 lockdown restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic here are some of the things you need to be on the lookout for to make sure your car is in good condition to hit the roads again

Azania Mosaka recently spoke to Gavin MacGregor, the director of the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation, about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on its scholarship recipients who are studying..

We are all adapting to new ways of working, schooling and living as we collectively help to keep our distance from others and flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections.

Christine du Preez, founder of the award winning HIV and AIDS treatment programme Hlokomela, spoke to Azania Mosaka about how COVID-19 is affecting the health of people living in Hoedspruit.

How can you help your teenager cope with the stress and anxiety around COVID-19? Cassey Chambers, operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, shares advice for parents on how to...

Are you experiencing a whirlwind of emotions about the extended stay home period? Clinical psychologist Dr Colinda Linde says your feelings of loss are valid and shouldn't be ignored if you want to move forward.

Operations Director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Cassey Chambers shares key tips on how to manage your mental wellbeing if you've recently been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Globally, governments have enforced unprecedented measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. These measures affect every aspect of daily life.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live. For children, understanding these changes is a challenge in itself. How can parents navigate this? Professor Renata Schoeman offers some tips.

Social distancing to stem the spread of COVID-19 may extend to the places where we exercise - like the gym, parkrun and myrun. But this does not mean you can't stay fit and healthy, and meet your exercise goals from home.

With the kids at home, why not include a fun and easy exercise routine into your schedule?

With the recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019, Vitality members are wondering whether they should throw in the towel when it comes to working out at the gym. Here's what you should know about exercising at the gym in the time of COVID-19.

Enhanced containment measures aimed at restricting the spread of the COVID-19 virus have meant millions of people the world over suddenly find themselves working from home.

We've all been there: You have an online client meeting, but your children are asking for help with their maths, and your spouse is busy too. What to do? Speaker and author Nikki Bush shares expert advice...

Much of the country's workforce has had to swiftly transition from their office-bound desks to their homes during the current COVID-19 containment period. With so much 'up in the air' at present, how can employees better navigate this uncertain period? Dr Tshidi Gule shares a few pointers.

Some schools around the country have begun implementing alternative measures for remote education. Many parents are having to adapt working from home, while managing their children's schooling at the same time.

The rampant rise of COVID-19 infections across the world has had a significant impact on all of our lives. Many countries, including our own, have already implemented drastic measures to try and...

It isn't business as usual, especially for children right now. But there are ways of navigating the "new normal" that we all find ourselves in, particularly so that children emerge from this experience with enhanced resilience.

News about COVID-19 is non-stop at the moment. Many adults are sifting through an enormous amount of information daily. Can you imagine how this is all being interpreted by young minds?

With the world currently trying to keep up to speed with all the latest developments relating to coronavirus 2019, children are in a vulnerable position when it comes to understanding...

Sufficient physical activity is more important now than ever. Exercise is known to be a powerful way to prevent and manage chronic diseases and boosts the immune system, which can strengthen the body and protect against infections.

The media offers a wealth of information regarding COVID 19 and the virus that causes it as well as what to do to prevent yourself from contracting the virus and from spreading it.

Managing the daily lives of typically developing children during the national stay at home is challenging for any parent or caregiver. However, for parents of a child who has autism, the stay-at-home period and....