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Coronavirus

Seda Western Cape Branches open for consultation

Monday, 15 June 2020

The Branches of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) in the Western Cape are open for consultation for a limited number of walk-in clients and visitors. Out of 14 Branches in the Province, 12 are open except Overberg and Khayelitsha Branches.  The Khayelitsha staff is currently consulting from the City of Cape Town Branch in Bellville. The offices will strictly adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. Social distancing will be enforced, all visitors must wear their masks all the time and they will be subjected to temperature screening as they walk in through the door.

Alex T Qunta, the Provincial Manager said “returning to work during this pandemic is a new territory for all of us, and we must have patience with ourselves and others while we navigate the new path. During these trying times, as an organisation we remain firm in our mission of developing, supporting and promoting small enterprises in co–ordination and partnership with role players in the ecosystem.”

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) through its agencies Seda and the Sefa has recently launched the following support schemes, which are funded from the Township Entrepreneurship Fund (TEF):

  1. Bakeries and Confectionaries Business Scheme;
  2. Spaza Shop Support Scheme;
  3. Clothing, Textile and Leather Support Scheme, and
  4. Automotive Aftermarkets Support Scheme.

These schemes are meant for small scale, micro, informal and co-operative enterprises based in townships and villages. Priority is given to businesses owned by Women, Youth and People with Disabilities. Qualifying enterprises are urged to register on https://smmesa.gov.za and complete an online application forms.

Issued by Seda Western Cape, Marketing and Communications Unit

Media inquires

Sibongile Somdaka

072 573 2193

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

17 June 2020

As of 1pm on 17 June, the Western Cape has 12 738 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 45 767 confirmed cases and 31 824 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 45767
Total recoveries 31824
Total deaths 1205
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 12738
Tests conducted 253455
Hospitalisations 1419 with 243 in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 4181 3035
Southern 4270 2998
Northern 3021 2129
Tygerberg 6406 4753
Eastern 4218 3004
Klipfontein 4911 3469
Mitchells Plain 4150 2982
Khayelitsha 5490 4335
Total 36647 26705

Sub-districts:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 22 16
Garden Route Knysna 95 64
Garden Route George 201 102
Garden Route Hessequa 18 14
Garden Route Kannaland 3 2
Garden Route Mossel Bay 76 34
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 29 12
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 660 392
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 1883 1109
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 909 509
Cape Winelands Langeberg 186 73
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 470 330
Overberg Overstrand 306 140
Overberg Cape Agulhas 30 22
Overberg Swellendam 23 15
Overberg Theewaterskloof 234 133
West Coast Bergrivier 155 91
​West Coast ​Cederberg 17 6
West Coast Matzikama 24 4
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 351 170
West Coast Swartland 362 172
Central Karoo Beaufort West 3 3

Unallocated: 3063 (1706 recovered)

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 49 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 1205. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Small business safety:

Today Minister of Economic Opportunities, David Maynier was in Mitchells Plain to hand out the first of 11 000 business safety kits which will be distributed to SMMEs and informal traders across the province.

Each kit consists of two bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, ten re-usable cloth masks, posters providing information on safe practices for staff and leaflets which can be distributed to customers on shopping safety.

These 11 000 kits will be distributed across the province, with a focus on those trading in hotspot areas, and will supplement kits already distributed by the City of Cape Town.

Our hotspot strategy includes interventions from across many of our departments as slowing the spread of the virus requires a whole of government approach. We are working closely with businesses and business organisations in our hotspots to help slow the spread of the virus. Small businesses and informal traders have an important role to play as they are very often based right in the heart of the communities they serve. These kits will help to minimise the spread of the virus, share information and help the businesses keep their staff and customers safe.

Dexamethasone:

Researchers in the UK have released incredibly positive initial findings around the use of the steroid Dexamethasone in critically ill COVID-19 patients. These preliminary findings have shown a reduction in mortality in patients who are being ventilated and to a lesser degree, in those who require oxygen support. The drug has been in use since the 1960s, and is widely available with several generic versions in production, making it affordable too.

Yesterday, Minister Zweli Mkhize indicated that while we wait for the results of the full study to be made available, the use of the drug could be considered for COVID-19 positive patients who are being mechanically ventilated, and patients who require oxygen support. The Western Cape Department of Health has received the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee and we are currently finalising the clinical protocols for the use of the drug.

I must however stress that this drug is not a cure and it is not for use in patients with milder symptoms. We are however encouraged that it has the potential to be life-saving for some of the people most severely impacted by this disease.

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

16 June 2020

As of 1pm on 16 June, the Western Cape has 12 155 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 43602 confirmed cases and 30291 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 43602
Total recoveries 30291
Total deaths 1156
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 12155
Tests conducted 248739
Hospitalisations 1405 of which 237 are in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 3802 2814
Southern 3874 2781
Northern 2580 1940
Tygerberg 5999 4519
Eastern 3763 2754
Klipfontein 4652 3256
Mitchells Plain 3916 2815
Khayelitsha 5318 4129
Total 33904 25008

Sub-districts:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 17 15
Garden Route Knysna 91 62
Garden Route George 185 100
Garden Route Hessequa 18 13
Garden Route Kannaland 3 2
Garden Route Mossel Bay 70 33
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 25 11
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 588 347
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 1639 972
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 795 467
Cape Winelands Langeberg 159 58
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 437 316
Overberg Overstrand 242 115
Overberg Cape Agulhas 27 18
Overberg Swellendam 20 14
Overberg Theewaterskloof 203 119
West Coast Bergrivier 121 80
​West Coast ​Cederberg 16 5
West Coast Matzikama 24 3
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 277 135
West Coast Swartland 303 141
Central Karoo Beaufort West 2 2

Unallocated: 4679 (2200 recovered)

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 45 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 1156. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Hospitalisations:

A total of 1405 people are currently in hospital in the province. Included in these numbers are the admissions at our two completed temporary hospitals, the Hospital of Hope and the Khayelitsha MSF hospital. The Hospital of Hope has so far admitted a total of 45 people since it opened last week and 15 have already been discharged. The Khayelitsha hospital currently has 15 admissions.

Most people who contract COVID-19 will recover without the need for hospitalisation however, a small percentage of people will require hospital care. Our ICU admissions currently account for under 2% of all active cases. The majority of people who become seriously ill have been over the age of 55 or have one or more comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and heart, lung and kidney ailments.

This is why it is very important that we all work together to help protect the vulnerable. By staying home as much as possible, avoiding gatherings, wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping your distance when out in public you can not only prevent getting sick yourself, but you can also protect your loved ones and save lives.

15 June 2020 Media Release: Alert Level 3 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

Media Release: Alert Level 3 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

For immediate release
15 June 2020

Monday, 01 June 2020 marked the date when South African entered lockdown alert level 3 which introduced a host of new regulations on what citizens can and cannot do.  According to the regulations of alert level 3, certain adjustments were made to the previous lockdown rules, however the state of national lockdown still continues until the curve has been flattened and the infection rate has been minimised for a sustained period.

More than eight million people have returned to their respective workplaces and in terms of the Alert Level 3 Lockdown Regulations set out in section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, gazetted Thursday, 28 May 2020.

Operation of economic and public sector 

All economic sectors are permitted to operate, except for high-risk activities that remain restricted.

According to section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, gazetted Thursday, 28 May 2020, number 46 operations are subject to certain social distancing measures that may limit the number of employees in the workplace at any given time.

  • Businesses and other institutions may operate except those set out in Table 2 (listed below).
  • Businesses and other institutions with more than 100 employees must, where possible, make provision for minimising the number of employees at the workplace at any given time, through rotation, staggered working hours, shift systems, remote working arrangements or similar measures, in order to achieve social distancing and to limit congestion in public transport and at the workplace.
  • Relevant health protocols and social distancing measures for persons employed in private residences must be adhered to.
  • Relevant health protocols and social distancing measures set out in directions must be adhered to, in addition to the occupational health and safety directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for employment and labour and applicable labour legislation.
  • Employers must implement measures for employees who are over 60 or those with co- morbidities to facilitate their safe return to work, which may include special measures at the work place to limit employees’ exposure to COVID -19 infection and where possible that the employees work from home.
  • Construction, manufacturing, business and financial services firms with more than 500 employees must finalise appropriate sector or workplace arrangements or compacts to address the following:
    1. provide, or arrange transport to their employees coming to site, or, where this is not possible. consider staggered working time arrangements to reduce congestion in public transport;
    2. stagger the return to work of employees to ensure workplace readiness and avoid traffic congestion during peak travel times as a result of the return to work;
    3. screen employees daily for symptoms of COVID -19 and refer the employees who display symptoms for medical examination and testing where necessary; and
    4. submit data collected during the screening and testing process to the Director -General: Health.
  • (a) The relevant sector or industry body, if such a body exists, must, in the event of high health risks, develop sector -specific health protocols which must include provisions to limit the spread of COVID -19 in the sector concerned and provide for those circumstances where a firm cannot operate staggered working hours or provide transport to its employees.

(b) The sector -specific health protocols referred to in paragraph (a) must be developed in consultation with the Department of Health.

Specific Economic Exclusions:

  1. Consumption of food and beverages at or in a place of sale, including restaurants retail outlets, convenience stores or informal traders.
  2. On -site consumption of liquor.
  3. Short term home -sharing /letting /leasing /rental for leisure purposes.
  4. Domestic passenger air travel for leisure purposes until directions with health protocols and social distancing measures are issued by the relevant Cabinet member responsible for transport.
  5. Passenger ships for leisure purposes.
  6. Conferences and events, including sporting events, except as provided for in Chapter 4 of the Regulations.
  7. Personal care services, including hairdressing, beauty treatments, make -up and nails salons and piercing and tattoo parlours, except those categories of services identified in directions by the relevant Cabinet member, in consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, as safe to resume, under specified conditions.
  8. Exclusions relating to public transport services as set out in the directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for transport.
  9. Exclusions relating to education services as set out in the directions issued by the Cabinet members responsible for education.
  10. Tourist attractions, casinos and entertainment activities, except those categories of activities which the relevant Cabinet members, in consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, identified in directions as safe to resume under specified conditions.

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

15 June 2020

As of 1pm on 15 June, the Western Cape has 13166 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of  42 892 confirmed cases and 28 615  recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 42892
Total recoveries 28615
Total deaths 1111
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 13166
Tests conducted 245536

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 3721 2695
Southern 3822 2672
Northern 2531 1855
Tygerberg 5895 4311
Eastern 3686 2613
Klipfontein 4548 3111
Mitchells Plain 3858 2694
Khayelitsha 5218 3960
Total 33279 23911

Sub-districts:

 

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 16 15
Garden Route Knysna 96 61
Garden Route George 165 90
Garden Route Hessequa 18 12
Garden Route Kannaland 3 2
Garden Route Mossel Bay 63 31
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 24 9
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 579 315
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 1613 933
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 760 416
Cape Winelands Langeberg 150 49
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 422 305
Overberg Overstrand 227 106
Overberg Cape Agulhas 26 15
Overberg Swellendam 19 14
Overberg Theewaterskloof 193 110
West Coast Bergrivier 120 74
​West Coast ​Cederberg 16 5
West Coast Matzikama 23 2
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 268 122
West Coast Swartland 272 1126
Central Karoo Beaufort West 3 1

Unallocated: 4538 (1891 recovered).

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 63 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 1111. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Premier Alan Winde and US Consul General Virgina Blaser with (back from left) Dr Roshni Mistry (Tygerberg),  Dr Nadiya Ahmed (Tygerberg) and Dr Shrikant Peters (Groote Schuur)

US Consul General donates 20 ventilators:

Today, I received a donation of ventilators from the Consul General of the United States, Virginia Blaser. These 20 form part of a donation of 50 ventilators which the United States has made to South Africa.

These ventilators were accepted by doctors from the Tygerberg and to Groote Schuur hospitals, where they will be used to treat seriously ill, and ICU patients.

The ventilators are smaller and more portable than many of the ventilators that we currently have in our healthcare system, allow for intubation and non-invasive ventilation and therefore will give doctors treating patients a greater degree of flexibility when moving patients and determining the best treatment options (see attached fact sheet about the ventilators).

The Western Cape has been working hard to prepare our healthcare systems, and these new ventilators will allow us to deliver potentially life-saving treatment to many more people. We thank the United States consulate in South Africa for their assistance during this pandemic, and for their partnership which stretches back many years.

Consul General Virginia Blaser said: “While today we mark the donation of 20 ventilators, we are really marking 20 years of life saving partnership between the United States and the Western Cape. Through PEPFAR, we are supporting over 4.7 million people living with HIV in South Africa. It is my hope that these ventilators will also offer life-saving support in the battle against COVID-19”.

Chrysalis graduates deployed to Khayelitsha:

Today, Minister of Community Safety Albert Fritz announced that 60 Chrysalis graduates have been deployed to various shopping centres and community health facilities in Khayelitsha as part of our hotspot strategy. These graduates have undergone training  and will help to build awareness of COVID-19 and encouraging people to adhere to social distancing protocols.

On the eve of Youth Day, it is so encouraging to see young people playing their part in communities to slow the spread of the virus and ultimately, save lives.

The hotspot strategy is all about using partnerships and encouraging a whole of society approach. The Department of Community Safety has worked closely with the Department of Health, the Khayelitsha Development Forum, Medicins Sans Frontiers, and of course, the Chrysalis Academy, to bring this deployment about. We wish these young people well and thank them for helping to protect communities in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape Government is rolling out a number of interventions in the province’s hotspots which are aimed at encouraging behavioural change to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We have already introduced the Red Dot taxi service to transport heatlhcare workers, and a major communications campaign which will include nearly 10 000 street pole posters in hotspot communities and new radio advertisements using healthcare workers. By staying safe, we will be able to protect our high risk loved ones and save lives.

 

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

14 June 2020

As of 1pm on 14 June, the Western Cape has 11657 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 40 232 confirmed cases and 27 527 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 40232
Total recoveries 27527
Total deaths 1048
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 11657
Tests conducted 234868
Hospital admissions 1226 of which 233 are in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 3501 2600
Southern 3678 2599
Northern 2376 1773
Tygerberg 5519 4148
Eastern 3514 2535
Klipfontein 4322 2994
Mitchells Plain 3639 2588
Khayelitsha 4763 3769
Total 31312 23006

Sub-districts:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 16 15
Garden Route Knysna 88 59
Garden Route George 148 83
Garden Route Hessequa 19 12
Garden Route Kannaland 3 2
Garden Route Mossel Bay 63 29
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 19 9
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 546 307
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 1472 880
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 705 403
Cape Winelands Langeberg 133 47
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 398 301
Overberg Overstrand 170 88
Overberg Cape Agulhas 22 11
Overberg Swellendam 19 14
Overberg Theewaterskloof 160 99
West Coast Bergrivier 107 69
​West Coast ​Cederberg 11 3
West Coast Matzikama 23 2
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 250 116
West Coast Swartland 243 119
Central Karoo Beaufort West 3 1

Unallocated: 4302 (1852 recovered)

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 40 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 1048. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Earlier today, I launched our new communications campaign which will roll out thousands of street pole posters in isiXhosa, English and Afrikaans in all of our hotspots. More information is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/premier-winde-launches-stay-safe-save-lives-street-pole-poster-public-awareness-campaign

OVERSIGHT AND ENGAGEMENT VISIT IN GARDEN ROUTE TO CLARIFY HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROCESSES

14 June 2020

As part of my continued visits to our Human Settlements construction sites to ensure they are compliant with the COVID-19 and all other health and safety prescripts as issued by my Department, I’ll be conducting a similar oversight in the Garden Route.

In addition to this, I will be engaging various stakeholders, including executive and senior management in the Bitou, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, and Mossel Bay municipalities. I am particularly concerned that some municipalities still do not understand how the funding model of human settlements works and this will once again be clarified during these engagements.

Where permitted, I encourage relevant stakeholders, which includes associations, organisations and the media, to form part of these engagements, so that there’s a clear understanding of my Department’s processes.

It is critical to keep in mind that Alert level 3 regulations, limits the number of people in any meeting to a maximum of 50. This needs to strictly be adhered to, particularly if social distancing is to be achieved.

My visit will commence in the Bitou Municipality, followed by the Knysna Municipality on 17 June. On 18 June, I will be in George and on 19 June, I will visit the Oudtshoorn and Mosselbay Municipalities. Further details will follow.

The Western Cape Government remains committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, safe, resilient and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720 / Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde- recoveries now stand at 68% of all infections

13 June 2020

As of 1pm on 13 June, the Western Cape has 11415 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 39159 confirmed cases and 26736 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 39159
Total recoveries 26736
Total deaths 1008
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 11415
Tests conducted 230463
Hospital admissions 1331 of which 241 are in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 3420 2535
Southern 3613 2506
Northern 2303 1745
Tygerberg 5394 4070
Eastern 3422 2486
Klipfontein 4241 2907
Mitchells Plain 3554 2514
Khayelitsha 4581 3654
Total 30528 22417

Sub-districts:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 16 15
Garden Route Knysna 89 59
Garden Route George 139 78
Garden Route Hessequa 18 12
Garden Route Kannaland 3 2
Garden Route Mossel Bay 57 29
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 19 9
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 509 298
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 1418 837
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 674 391
Cape Winelands Langeberg 110 45
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 381 290
Overberg Overstrand 149 82
Overberg Cape Agulhas 20 11
Overberg Swellendam 18 13
Overberg Theewaterskloof 148 92
West Coast Bergrivier 103 69
​West Coast ​Cederberg 10 2
West Coast Matzikama 22 2
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 244 107
West Coast Swartland 235 117
Central Karoo Beaufort West 3 1

Unallocated: 4246 (1758).

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 42 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 966. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Recoveries:

The Western Cape has now recorded over 26 000 recoveries, representing a total of 68% of all cases registered to date. In the Tygerberg sub-district which has the highest number of infections in the province, 75% of all cases have recovered so far, and in Khayelitsha which has the second highest number of infections, the recovery rate stands at 79%

Many people who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and most will recover without any need for hospitalisation. But this does not mean that we should be any less careful- as you could experience mild symptoms, but you could also pass on the virus to your parents or grandparents, or someone in one of the high risk groups.

People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract COVID-19. Those most at risk include those who are:

  • Individuals with comorbidities, at any age
  • 55 years an older, with or without co-morbidities

The overwhelming majority of COVID-19 positive people who have died in the province have had one or more comorbidities.  Co-morbidity is the presence of one or more additional diseases or conditions occurring with a primary medical condition. The most prevalent comorbidities in deaths due to COVID-19 across all age groups in the Western Cape are diabetes and hypertension.

Other common comorbidities also include HIV, kidney, lung and heart disease.

Deaths:

Today, we have also sadly surpassed the 1000 deaths mark. Each of these people is mourned by loved ones who miss them terribly. They have all played a role in our society- the numbers include essential workers like healthcare workers and law enforcement officers, people who worked hard everyday to provide for their families, parents, grandparents, and people who were part of our communities. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19.

We know that many more people will become sick and we will lose more lives but we must all do everything we can to ensure that we slow the spread of the virus. We all need to make the golden rules of infection prevention a part of our daily lives. We should all still be staying at home as much as possible, washing our hands regularly and cleaning surfaces like counter tops, desks and door handles at home and at work. When you do leave home, ensure that you are wearing a clean cloth mask and keep that 1.5 metre distance between you and any other person when you’re standing in queues, waiting for the bus or you’re in any area where people are congregating.

For those who fall into the vulnerable groups, it’s important that you continue to take additional steps to protect yourself by staying at home, and being vigilant about hand-washing and hygiene.

These steps can help us all to save lives.

Statement by Premier Alan Winde: Re-opening of schools in the Western Cape safely is in best interests of our learners

11 June 2020

At today’s weekly digital press conference, I was joined by Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, the Head of Department of Education in the Western Cape, Brian Schreuder, the Head of the Western Cape Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, and Chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association, Professor Mignon McCulloch, to provide the public with an update on the safe re-opening of schools in this province.

I fully understand that parents are worried about the Covid-19 pandemic and how the re-opening of schools might impact their child’s well-being. As a parent myself, I know that our number one priority is always the safety of our children.

Medical evidence to support re-opening schools:

That is why as a provincial government, working in cooperation with the National Department of Basic Education, we have followed top medical advice in supporting the decision to re-open schools safely in this province.

The South African Paediatric Association has supported the staggered re-opening schools based on medical evidence:

“Children biologically contain SARS-CoV-2 better than adults, are less likely to get sick if infected, have milder disease, are unlikely to die from Covid-19, and are probably less infectious than adults.”

Professor Mignon McCulloch, who joined the press conference, is the Head of Paediatrics at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. She also serves on the Executive Council of the International Paediatric Nephology Association and is President of the International Paediatric Transplant Association.

Professor McCulloch added: “Considering that children are at lower risk of acquiring and transmitting SARS-CoV-2, as a group of paediatricians advocating on behalf of our patients, we are of the opinion that the benefits (educational, mental & psychological health, food security and safety) of getting most children back to school exceeds that of keeping them at home.  Provided the precautions of face masks, hand-sanitising, environmental cleaning and physical distancing are adhered to, we support the staggered approach of getting children back to school. Where cases of infection do arise, these should be managed on a case by case basis. However, we respect the autonomy of well-informed parents and caregivers to decide what is in the best interests of their children.”

According to data provided by the Western Cape Department of Health, as of 5 June 2020, there had been a total of 1787 cases of Covid-19 in people under the age of 20. This represents roughly 6% of all cases at the time.

The age-groups can be broken down as follows:

Characteristics of COVID-19 cases age <20 years in the Western Cape
5 June 2020; n=1787
n %
Age group
<5 years 362 20%
5-9 years 330 18%
10-14 years 408 23%
15-19 years 687 38%

Of these 1787 Covid-19 infections, 5 children unfortunately died. This accounts for 0,3% of all confirmed cases of those infected under the age or 20 and they are often linked to serious comorbidities (underlying health conditions).

Every single death in this province is a death too many, and I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of these children.

The data, however, does show that children are at a significantly lower risk than adults. In fact, those at highest risk are residents over the age off 55 and those with underlying health conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension.

Not re-opening schools will hurt our poorest residents the most

There has not been enough discussion about the negative impact on the well-being of our learners of keeping schools closed.

Minister Schäfer said: “Extended school closures do not affect all learners equally, owing to unequal access to home learning support and the internet. Learners in poorer communities are reliant on in-class teaching to receive their education, and the longer schools are closed, the more they are disadvantaged. The gap will only grow between those learners who cannot access education via digital alternatives at home (in our poorer communities in the main), and those who can and do.”

In addition, children who rely on the National School Nutrition Programme lose access to this nutrition during extended school closures. This can negatively impact their health.

Through emergency funding, the Western Cape Department of Education provided over 1,2 million meals during the lockdown period. This will continue to be sustained through the normal school feeding programme now that schools have re-opened again.

Ensuring that schools re-open safely:

The reality is that the virus is going to be around with us for some time, possibly another year at least.

We must adjust to the “new normal” of Covid-19, by making sure that we re-open our schools in a way that reduces the risk and ensures the safety of our learners and staff.

It is for this reason that the Western Cape Education Department has spent R280 million on masks and cleaning materials thus far.

This includes:

  • 2.4 million masks (2 per learner and staff member)
  • Over 7 000 non-contact digital thermometers
  • Millions of litres of hand sanitiser, liquid soap, disinfectant and bleach

The Department has also adopted clear guidelines for the management of cases at schools.

Minister Schäfer said: “Whenever a staff member or learner who has been present at a school is confirmed as positive for Covid-19, the affected areas at the school will be decontaminated. Learners and staff members will not be present when the affected areas are decontaminated.  The school will re-open once the certificate of decontamination is received from the service provider.”

In terms of these guidelines:

  • Those who have been in close contact (e.g. handshake or hug) with a confirmed positive case (whether at school or outside school) are required to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the individual.
  • Those not in close contact do not have to self-isolate. Those who are casual contacts must however be monitored for symptoms.
  • If there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 then the school is required to contact the district for assistance in terms of decontamination.
  • The need to close a class, part of school, or school will be assessed on a case by case basis, in line with Dept of Health Guidelines.
  • The decision to close a school is only taken by the HOD, and parents and staff will always be informed of cases in a school.

Working with learners to ensure a safe re-opening

In addition to masks, and good hygiene, every single person entering a school in the Western Cape will be screened. A dedicated screening app has been produced for this purpose.

Furthermore, learners and staff will undertake an orientation programme, which includes:

  • Why and how to wear a mask
  • Important hygiene procedures
  • The screening process
  • New classroom etiquette and behaviour
  • New physical distancing measures
  • Important contact information
  • How to identify symptoms of Covid-19
  • What to do when someone has Covid-19

Those learners that have comorbidities will be supported by the department for home-schooling, and parents will be required to collect the material from their schools.

The Department will make public more information on home-schooling once national directives are announced this week.

We also want to appeal to the public for their understanding and co-operation in ensuring that no external people go onto school premises, unless absolutely necessary.  The virus spreads through people, so the more we can limit additional people on school premises, the better.

Following the golden rules

To all our teachers, support and admin staff, and parents: I thank you so much for everything you are doing to ensure our learners get the best education possible during this challenging time. You are all heroes.

Your courage is needed for our young residents, who will look to you during this uncertain time for strength and guidance.

I also remind you that the most important thing we can all do during this pandemic is to follow the golden rules, which include:

  • Keep your hands clean, washing them regularly with soap and water (or to use hand-sanitiser)
  • Keep your distance from other people (at least 1.5 metres)
  • Sneeze into a tissue or the corner of your arm
  • Wear a clean cloth mask properly
  • Stay home if you are sick, and first call the hotline for advice on what to do next (021 928 4102)

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

11 June 2020

As of 1pm on 11 June, the Western Cape has 11 696 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 36 673  confirmed cases and 24 040 recoveries.

The Western Cape Government has experienced delays in receiving some of its data today and we are investigating some issues on our live dashboard. We are working to resolve these issues urgently and once resolved,  we will update the data for the sub-districts.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 36 673
Total recoveries 24 050
Total deaths 927
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 11 696
Tests conducted 220 007
Hospital admissions 1242 with 240 in ICU or high care

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 36 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 927. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Digitial Press Conference on Schools Re-opening:

At today’s weekly digital press conference, I was joined by Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, the Head of Department of Education in the Western Cape, Brian Schreuder, the Head of the Western Cape Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, and Chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association, Professor Mignon McCulloch, to provide the public with an update on the safe re-opening of schools in this province.

You can view the full-statement released at the press conference here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/re-opening-schools-western-cape-safely-best-interests-our-learners