7 June 2020 Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

For Immediate Release
7 June 2020

The Garden Route has recorded seven (7) COVID-19 deaths to date – three in George, one in Mossel Bay, two in Knysna and one in Hessequa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 31 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 57 new COVID-19 positive cases – a total of 155 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.

Today, 7 June 2020 is day 7 of the National Alert Level 3 COVID-19 Lockdown, day 82 of the GRDM District Covid -19 Command Centre activation and day 84 of the National Disaster Declaration. Please note that on Friday, 5 June 2020, the National State of Disaster Declaration was extended to the 15^th of July 2020.

The following list of actions/important matters discussed over the past week

• The Red Dot Taxi service to be used to transport people to quarantine as well as isolation facilities will be in operation from next week;
• SASSA indicated that in terms of the Covid-19 R350-00 grant, they had received 6 million applications and of these 2,7 million were processed and approved. These payments should be done before the end of this month;
• All Western Cape schools were re-opened on Monday 01 June 2020 for the return of grade 7 and grade 12 learners;
• It has been verified that businesses with on-consumption liquor licences would be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for take-away purposes only. This has to happen between 9h00 -17h00 from Mondays-Thursdays only;
• From this week the GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen will be allowed to attend a high-level feedback meeting with Cabinet on Tuesdays and Fridays;
• The District Executive Mayor expressed his concerns and the concerns of businesses regarding the delay in re-opening of the George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay as well as Bitou airports.
• Social Development in the Western Cape reported that to date they delivered 37 287 of the 50 000 food parcels the past week;
• All municipalities were advised to implement special arrangements to ensure the continuation of essential service delivery.

COVID-19 Statistics from a week back compared to today, 7 June 2020.

Public Health and Hygiene interventions

Cloth Masks

We note the new advice issued by the World Health Organisation on the use of cloth masks. The organisation now advises that people should wear masks in public places like on public transport and in places where social distancing may be hard such as in grocery shops, schools and in places of worship.

Please ensure that your masks are clean and worn correctly, which includes only touching them by the straps when putting them on and taking them off, and sanitising hands before and after this.

Cloth masks should not be seen as the only line of defense against this virus and must always be used in conjunction with good hygiene, hand washing and social distancing must always be adhered to.

Healthcare workers

The Western Cape Department of Health is currently conducting a recruitment drive for healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, to take up temporary posts during the COVID-19 period. Qualified healthcare professionals who are interested in taking up temporary employment during the peak, can find more information on the work, and the application processes.

Advice for home-based recovery

Most people will recover from COVID-19 and experience only mild symptoms. The province’s new risk adjusted testing strategy means that healthy people under 55 will not be able to be tested in the metro region.

The following groups of people who are experiencing symptoms will be tested: healthcare workers, those over the age of 55, those in hospitals or in old aged homes, those under the age of 55 with comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, TB, chronic lung disease and HIV with poor ARV adherence.

This strategy is in place because of the national backlog in testing and will prioritise those groups of people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. This system will ensure that those who need testing most are prioritised over young, healthy individuals.

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, a sore throat, or a cough, and are young, fit and healthy, you should act as if you have Covid-19.

If you are able to self-isolate at home, you will need to move to a separate room or area of the house, where you have no contact with anyone else.

If you live with other people, one healthy person can act as your caregiver. This person should leave food for you at the door of your room, and regularly clean surfaces.

Use a dedicated set of items such as cups, plates, cutlery and towels for yourself. Dispose of any waste carefully by placing it in two bags and keeping it separately for five days before putting out for collection. Ensure you wash your clothing, towels and cloth masks at a high heat.

You should not leave your home, and should rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthily and use paracetamol for fever or pain.

If you are unable to do this at home, you will be referred to an isolation or quarantine facility where you will be able to safely complete the isolation period.

If at any stage of your illness, you experience shortness of breath or pain or a sensation of pressure in your chest, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

The National Institute of Communicable Diseases considers a person recovered 14 days after first symptoms are experienced, or 14 days from discharge from hospital for those who have been discharged. It is essential that if you are recovering at home, this 14 day period is observed.

IMPORTANT TOOLS FOR BUSINESSES

Western Cape Government has created the following important tools for businesses to access during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• SupportFinder tool which helps businesses navigate and apply for the available financial relief packages,
• Jump for entrepreneurs smartphone app which provides valuable advice, networks and tools for those who run a business, or who wish to start a business,
• Tech Volunteers Programme which connects businesses who want to become more digital with industry experts for free two-hour advisory consultations, and
• #GoDigitalWC webinars which brings leading experts in digital technology and business transformation to present ideas and advice for SMMEs on how they can adapt and innovate during Covid-19.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

The Western Cape Government has made online resources available for employees and employers which can be accessed here:

For employers

• Read our health guidelines on preventing and managing Covid-19 infections in the workplace: westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections
• Download our Covid-19 safety information materials for the workplace such as posters, decals and checklists: westerncape.gov.za/resources
• Find Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers through our PPE marketplace: co.za/marketplace
• NEW!Report a positive case of Covid-19 in your workplace to the Western Cape Department of Health with this online form: westerncape.gov.za/reporting-covid-19-workplace

 For employees

• NEW! Read our FAQs on how you can stay safe in the workplace, and what your employer needs to do to ensure your safety:  westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/employees/frequently-asked-questions-employees
• Report businesses that are not following the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 using this online form: westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE FIVE GOLDEN RULES OF KEEPING SAFE 

1. Work from home if you can or if you are feeling unwell
2. Practice social distancing and stay 1.5 metres from others
3. Wash or sanitise hands regularly
4. Practice good hygiene
5. Wear face masks or a face covering when in public