Level 3 Lockdown Update 

As the country entered level 3 lockdown on Monday, 01 June 2020, many businesses and trade sectors were allowed to reopen. As Bedford Centre welcomes back more of their tenants and their loyal customers, stringent safety and hygiene measures will remain in place. This is to ensure the health and safety of all who visit the centre. Your cooperation and support is appreciated during this time.

Safety Precautions In Place At Bedford Centre

There are various health and safety measures implemented across the centre, which include:

Bedford Centre

Image sourced from Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/Bedfordcentre/photos/

Trading Hours 

Under level 3 lockdown, Bedford Centre has extended its trading hours:

Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 17:00
Sunday and Public Holidays: 09:00 – 15:00

Stores Open In Level 3 Lockdown

Bedford Centre is a premium shopping destination situated in Bedfordview, offering a huge variety of retail stores, two supermarkets, numerous restaurants, family fun and an undeniable European-aesthetic. During level 3 lockdown, most stores will be open at Bedford Centre for grocery essentials, winter clothing and bedding, cellular services, medicines and books. Certain restaurants will also be open for deliveries and collections.

Banking Services

Groceries 

Footwear & Clothing 

Health & Beauty 

Homeware 

Eyecare

Restaurants (delivery or collection only)

Books & Stationery 

Cellular & Gaming

Specialty Stores

Services 

woman carrying shopping bags over her shoulder

Stores Not Open In Level 3 Lockdown

Unfortunately, a few stores will not be permitted to trade during this time. These stores include:

Parking Information

To ensure your safety and convenience, parking will be free at Bedford Centre for the month of June. Upon arrival the boom will automatically open and no ticket will be dispensed. When exiting the centre, proceed straight to the booms.

For More Information

Visit www.bedfordcentre.com for more information. Also, follow Bedford Centre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates on their trading hours and store offerings during level 3 lockdown.

Details: Cnr Smith & Van der Linde Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg | +27 11 622 1840 | [email protected]

Bedford Centre

*Please note that this information was correct at the time of writing in June 2020.

Handwashing vs Sanitisers

Frequent, thorough handwashing has been touted as one of the best preventative measures against the COVID-19 virus. Experts concur that you should wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing, before eating and after you have been in a public space. However, we know that soap and water are not always readily accessible, especially when you are on the go.

In accordance with government measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, most public venues will provide people with a spray of alcohol-based hand rub before and after entering. While these rubs may not kill 100% of germs, they are nevertheless a good cautionary measure. If you are going to use a hand sanitiser, make sure to vigorously rub it into your skin until it dries completely (30 - 60 seconds should do it). It is also important to note that hand rubs are less effective if your hands are dirty or sticky. Before heading out to grocery stores, pharmacies or to seek medical care, you should always wash your hands with soap and water.

DIY Hand Rubs: Are They Safe?

You have most likely seen recipes for at-home hand sanitisers popping up all over social media since the first reported case of COVID-19 in South Africa. Most recipes advise to use a combination of three ingredients:

Seeing that most stores will be sold out of hand sanitisers for the foreseeable future, it may seem like a good idea to make your own. However, please be advised that DIY hand rubs are not always effective against germs and bacteria, as it is difficult to correctly measure alcohol to gel ratios. The general rule of thumb is 2:1 - alcohol to gel - and a drop or two of the essential oils. It is similarly imperative that you wipe down the surface you will be using beforehand, wash your hands and any containers or equipment you will be using to mix the rub.

Another factor to consider before making your own hand sanitiser, is that you may not be able to find the ingredients you need in stores. Like brand hand rubs, rubbing alcohol and aloe vera gel have flown off shelves.

What About The Kids?

Medical professionals advise against using DIY hand rubs to sanitise children's hands. This is because the high percentage of alcohol can irritate their skin, causing a rash and sometimes bleeding. Little ones are also prone to rubbing their eyes and picking noses, which is a challenge enough in the face of COVID-19, without the added dramatics of stinging eyes. If you are desperate to keep your child's hands clean while out on a shopping run, you may consider using aloe vera baby wipes doused with a disinfectant such as Dettol. However, this may again cause dry skin and irritation.

The Verdict

Stick to washing your hands. But, if you must make your own hand sanitiser, follow whichever recipe you find to the tee. If you would like more insight into this topic, check out these resources:

www.healthline.com/health/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer#bottom-line

www.nbc-2.com/story/41863915/diy-hand-sanitizer-gel-spray-germs-bacteria-does-it-work

Want to make your own face masks with the kids? Click here.

hand sanitiser

Stay safe, keep positive and we'll see you on the other side of this! 

Just like stocking up on groceries, you also need to stock up on anything you think you may want or need should you fall ill during the pandemic (stress and worry does trigger a weaker immune system). Here's a few essentials and medication musts to add to your medicine cabinet ahead of time to ensure that you don't need to leave your home during the national lockdown.

Tissues

This one is obvious, but you can never have too many tissues. When ill with a cold or flu, you can easily go through a box of tissues in a day depending on how severe your symptoms are. So, make sure you grab a few boxes of tissues and store them somewhere until you need them.

white tissue in a pink floral box

Cough Syrups

When it comes to cough syrups, you need to stock up on two different variants depending on the type of cough you have developed. You'll need a cough suppressant and a cough expectorant. Cough suppressants are used when you're trying to sleep or stop coughing for a short period of time, and cough expectorants help to thin and loosen mucus in the chest so you can cough it up (not the most charming thing to do, but it needs to be done). These cough syrups can be bought over-the-counter. If you need assistance in picking the right one to have on standby, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

medication cough syrup in a brown glass bottle next to a silver spoon

Antihistamines

A must-have for any medicine cabinet is a box of antihistamines. Not only are they useful for treating the symptoms of allergic reactions, but they also help relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, including sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, coughing and a runny nose.

woman sneezing into a tissue with a black background

Painkillers

It'd best to grab painkillers that contain paracetamol and ibuprofen, as these assist in relieving pain and also help in bringing down a fever should you burn up. There are various different types of painkillers on the market, from Panado and Myprodol to Grandpa and Gen-Payne, so if you can, talk to your doctor to find out which one would be right for you to stock up on.

medication a white box of panado painkillers

Nasal Spray

For relief of a burning nose or nasal congestion, a nasal spray is a must for your medication stock pile. These are also available over-the-counter and can be bought in two different forms: a regular spray or a pump spray. If there are a few people within your household, perhaps buy a bottle per family member to ensure no cross-contamination should someone fall ill and need to use the nasal spray.

bottle of nasal spray next to a thermometer and tissues

Hand Sanitiser

We know that finding hand santiser is difficult right now due to everyone trying to take precaution against COVID-19. But if you do happen to find some, do grab a few bottles (please don't panic buy) and store them in your medicine cabinet. These will come in handy should you have to help treat a family member that has fallen ill, to clean your hands after coughing or blowing your nose, or disinfect objects. Your next best bet is to purchase germ-killing soap. Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is a must.

hand holding a hand sanitiser bottle

Cleaning Supplies

These will not go into your medicine cabinet, but are necessary to ensure that you keep your home as clean and sanitary as possible should one of your loved ones become ill. Add Savlon or Dettol, bleach and Handy Andy to your cleaning supplies shopping list. Once a day, go through your home, wiping down communal counters, light switches, door handles, taps, etc. to eliminate the chance of passing the virus onto someone else.

squirt bottle with a red lid spraying a surface

Something For The Kitchen

While ill, surely you'd rather sip on a hot cup of tea to help soothe a sore throat or a delicious, hearty soup to provide a little bit of comfort? Visit your nearest grocery store and pick up a few tins of soup, boxes of tea, jars of coffee or even energy drinks to ensure you keep yourself hydrated while nursing your illness.

glass cup of tea on a wooden table near the window

Where To Get These Supplies

To get all your medication supplies to combat and treat any symptoms that colds, flu, allergies and even COVID-19 may throw your way, take a look at our article on the best pharmacies to save you money.

Also, stop by at Dis-Chem and Clicks.

*We are not medical professionals. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting new medication. 

Stay well, safe and healthy!