Dispensary Corner

WELL this is a little awkward.

A cholera outbreak in the northern region of Ethiopia is being blamed on contaminated holy water in some of the area’s monasteries.

The epidemic has tragically seen at least ten people die in the last two weeks, while more than 1,200 victims have contracted the disease, reports the BBC.

Authorities say poor hygiene and drinking of unsafe water is to blame, with the monasteries unfortunately believed to be taking water from rivers carrying the awful disease.

The local government has taken the controversial step of interfering in religious affairs by ordering the temporary cessation of holy water use.

FEELING stressed at work? Perhaps you should take note of the latest craze sweeping South Korea, which has seen the launch of a host of new ‘Stress Cafes’ according to The Atlantic.

Guests are welcomed with slippers, dim lights, soothing tea, board games, massage chairs, beanbags and hammocks, while some outlets also offer esoteric add-ons - which could be classified as professional services like oxygen generators and mental health counselling.

One of the chains, with the catchy title of “Mr Healing” has opened more than 100 outlets since 2015.

There’s probably an interesting research project studying the correlation of the rise of the public havens with the recent nuclear sabre-rattling of North Korean neighbour Kim Jong Un.