Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Coronavirus

Media release: Businesses have your say on the Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 26 April 2020

Release: Immediately

Businesses – have your say on the Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy

Yesterday (25 April 2020), the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, released a draft framework setting out the services that will be permitted to operate in key economic sectors under the new risk-adjusted approach to the Covid-19 lockdown, and which will be implemented with Level 4 from 1 May 2020 across South Africa.

We want to ensure that where businesses in the Western Cape are able to operate safely they are able to do so, and so we will be requesting the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, to convene an immediate meeting of the Ministers and Members of Executive Councils (MinMEC) to discuss the implementation of the risk-adjusted approach to the lockdown and the proposed “Level 4” restrictions in the provinces.

We also welcome and appreciate the opportunity to submit comments on the “Schedule of Services” to be phased in as per the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, prior to the implementation of the regulations, and encourage all business, trade unions and members of the public to urgently submit their comments.

The draft framework for the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy can be viewed here >> https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

Organisations will need to download the PDF document of the “Draft Framework for Consultation on COVID-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy” to view the “Schedule of Services”. Note that the annexure of the document includes guidelines and a template for the submission of the comments.

Completed submissions must be sent to lockdowncomments@cogta.gov.za by 12h00, on Monday, 27 April 2020.

Submissions can also be emailed to the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism at ecohead@westerncape.gov.za in order for us to facilitate further engagements where required.

Since the start of this crisis we have done everything we can to support businesses, to back businesses and to save businesses, jobs and the economy in the Western Cape.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

The Western Cape economy can and will rebound from this crisis, and together we will do everything possible to ensure that.

Notes for media:

Find link to article online here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/businesses-%E2%80%93-have-your-say-covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

 

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde; over 3000 tests conducted in the past 48 hours

26 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 25 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1531 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 1531
Total recoveries 249
Total deaths 32
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 1250
Patients in hospital 68 with 26 in ICU
Total tests conducted 25774

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases
Western 359
Southern 198
Northern 74
Tygerberg 162
Eastern 152
Klipfontein 91
Mitchells Plain 103
Khayelitsha 146
Total 1285

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 18
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 13
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 21
Cape Winelands Langeberg 2
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 76
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Swartland 7
     

Unallocated: 34

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports. Cases reported in Khayelitsha (1), Breede Valley (3) and Drakenstein (2) yesterday have been reallocated based on updated address data.

The province has recorded two more deaths- ​a 53 year old man with significant comorbidities and a 76 year old man-bringing the total number of deaths to 32 in the province. We extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Most of the people who have died in the province have been vulnerable, either because of their age, or because they had an underlying medical condition. The lockdown regulations are in place to protect you, but also to help save the lives of these vulnerable groups. Many people will contract COVID-19 in the province in the coming months and recover, but for the elderly and the sick, the risk of serious complications is much higher.

Kindness and compassion for those ill:

Anyone can contract COVID-19; it does not discriminate. We must remember that just like every other person who gets sick, those infected with Covid-19 deserve our love, kindness and compassion at all times.

COVID-19 testing:

In the past 48 hours, we have conducted over 3000 tests in the province in line with our strategy to seek out pockets of infection in our communities, isolate those who are positive and trace their contacts. We follow an active case finding approach to testing and screening, where we follow the “bush fires” – pockets of infections within communities, and identify those who are infected with Covid-19 as quickly as possible. The screening process, based on this evidence, refers those who are symptomatic for testing.

Infection prevention:

As we move towards level 4 of lockdown, the risk of infection can increase as there will be more people moving around. We must make sure we are aware of this at all times: follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times when you leave the house, always keep a distance from others, and make sure that you wear a cloth mask. Wearing a cloth mask will become mandatory from 1 May, but we encourage you to already start wearing one already if you leave the house. Please remember to not touch your face when wearing a mask and to follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times when doing so.

Infections are most likely to happen where people congregate and come into close contact- in supermarkets, on public transport and in the workplace. We have met with the retail sector and have devised protocols which are aimed at keeping their staff and their customers safe.

Already, we have seen a number of retailers put innovative measures in place to ensure safety while shopping- these include protective screens in some stores, stickers or tape used to indicate social distancing while queuing, and special shopping hours for the elderly.

Shoppers can play their part by ensuring that they do not go shopping if they feel sick or have flu-like symptoms, they cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their elbow while coughing or sneezing and they wear clean, cloth masks while shopping. If someone stands too close to you, tell them kindly to keep their distance.

It is also best to only send only one family member to do the shopping and this person should be the healthiest person in the household.

Over the next week, Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo will also undertake a roadshow at various supermarkets to highlight the importance of hand sanitizing, hygiene and social distancing.

Other businesses who intend to reopen on 1 May in line with the level 4 regulations, must devise infection prevention protocols which are applicable to their businesses to ensure that staff and clientele are not put at any additional risk.

Media Release: Update on the Coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

25 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 24 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1435 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 1435
Total recoveries 249
Total deaths 30
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 1156
Patients in hospital 63 with 16 in ICU
Total tests conducted 24241

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases
Western 328
Southern 194
Northern 69
Tygerberg 144
Eastern 136
Klipfontein 87
Mitchells Plain 93
Khayelitsha 147
Total 1198

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 18
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 15
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 24
Cape Winelands Langeberg 2
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 71
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Swartland 7
     

Unallocated: 25

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The Western Cape has recorded two new deaths- a woman, aged 51 and a man, aged 30, both with comorbidities. We send our condolences to their loved ones during this difficult time.

In the last 24 hours, a further 1550 tests have been conducted in the Western Cape.

This testing is based on our active case finding approach, where we purposely follow the “bush fires” – the pockets of infections within communities, to ensure that every person who has been infected by Covid-19 is identified as quickly as possible. The screening identifies those who are symptomatic, and these residents are referred for testing.

Identifying every person infected by Covid-19, allows us to isolate patients, trace their contacts, and provide healthcare services where needed. International experience has shown us that this approach, combined with good hygiene measures and lockdown regulations are key in stopping the spread.

We are ramping up our rigorous screening and testing, in line with this approach and in accordance with international best practice.

It remains important to remember that the lockdown has not stopped Covid-19, and the peak is still to come with many people being infected by the virus. The situation is going to get more difficult, and it is up to all of us to ensure we flatten the curve and prevent our health system from being overwhelmed. This will help save many lives.

Level four lockdown:

Earlier today, national government made further announcements regarding level four restrictions which will come into effect on Friday, 1 May. Under these restrictions, certain sectors of our economy will be opened up. A night-time curfew has also been introduced between 8pm and 5am and cloth masks have been made mandatory for anyone leaving their homes. Residents are urged to abide by these new regulations which will allow us to limit the spread of the virus, while still allowing some activity to take place.

We welcome the announcement that cloth masks will be made mandatory for those who go out in public. I had made this request to the President during the last PCC meeting, and I am glad that this recommendation has been taken up. Wearing a cloth mask properly, and always following the golden rules of good hygiene when doing so, can help limit the spread of the virus.

We are also pleased that limited production and the sale of stationery, educational books and personal IT equipment such as computers and cell phones is now allowed, as these will allow for education, learning and home businesses to continue.

I am equally happy that children’s and winter clothing will be allowed for sale under level 4, but re-iterate the call that people should visit shops as infrequently as possible in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Agriculture is a major contributor to the provincial economy so we welcome the further opening up of agricultural exports, as well as essential fishing operations and flower growers.

Greater responsibility on us all:

These new regulations place a lot of responsibility on employers and individuals. Businesses who intend to open from 1 May must ensure that when they do begin operating, they have all of the correct protocols in place- including heightened hygiene measures, and social distancing protocols to allow their staff to work safely.

As individuals, we all need to abide by these new regulations and adapt to this “new normal”. I know it is very difficult, and we all desperately want to see our friends and loved ones again. We have done so much already, and we must continue with our hard work going forward. I know, if we strengthen our resolve now to defeat this virus, we can stop the spread. We can do this.

And, we must not forget what we have learnt already: Hand washing regularly with soap, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into the crook of the arm, keeping physical distance and wearing a cloth mask can all help to slow the rate of infection and to stop the spread.

Media Release: Statement by Premier Alan Winde on the new lockdown strategy announced by President Ramaphosa

24 April

Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new risk-aligned strategy to the lockdown, which will see the country move to slightly more relaxed restrictions on 1 May.

We welcome this approach, which balances the need to remain cautious to prevent new infections, with the need to re-open the economy so that people can start to return to work.

We await further details from the national government on the details of the restrictions that will be enforced per level. As we have seen during the present lockdown, clear directives are critical to ensure public and business compliance.

Without pre-empting this detail, it does appear that level four continues to restrict some services which we have previously lobbied to be considered as essential. An example of this is the sale of books and stationery, which are not clearly defined for sale under this stage of lockdown. If schools are not yet allowed to reopen, stationery and books are essential tools which will help parents ensure that their children are able to continue to learn and read during this period.

I am pleased that the President has called for submissions on the proposed levels prior to them being finalised, and we will certainly be embracing this opportunity.

In this respect, we will working urgently with various businesses and industries, as well as our own workstreams, to seek their input on the proposed levels, prior to submitting a consolidated submission to the Presidency and COGTA.

For our part, we will work with the national government to ensure that once implemented, the new approach is effective in stopping the spread while still allowing for necessary economic activity to resume.

While it may be tempting to see these relaxed regulations as a lifting of the lockdown, we call on all residents to continue to abide by the rules, which are in place to ensure that we are able to limit the spread. The new regulations place additional responsibility on our citizens to stop the spread.

The new phased lockdown approach is based on infection data, and we will only be able to move down in levels, towards the new normal, when and where infection data is showing stabilisation in the number of new infections.

That is why it is crucial that across South Africa, we implement a rigorous screening an testing regime. In the Western Cape, we have done so. We therefore expect the number of laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases to climb in our province.

Since the start of April, our community screening teams have reached over 150 000 people in communities across the province.

Over the past week, nearly 9000 tests have been conducted in the province as part of our active case finding approach to make sure that we identify every person who might have been infected with Covid-19 as quickly as possible.

We have embraced testing because if we know someone is Covid-19 positive, we can ensure that they isolate, and we can stop the spread the virus to others.

We can also follow up with their contacts immediately and start the process all over again. It also means that we can care for those who might be very sick because of the virus.

Our screening and testing teams are deployed based on data which actively identifies and follows the “bush fires” – the pockets of infections within communities.

We identify these pockets whenever we confirm a Covid-19 case, and our rigorous contact tracing teams track their previous movements and contacts.

Many of these referred tests were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing up our total of new infections considerably.

I understand that our residents are worried as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the Western Cape, but this is a natural result of our more rigorous testing approach.

Our strategy is to do screening and testing even more rigorously. This is the best way to contain the virus and to flatten the curve.

We are going to face a very challenging time in the weeks and months to come. The lockdown has helped, but it has not stopped the virus. The peak is still to come, and many people will be infected by Covid-19.

That is why it is so important that every single one of us continue to play our part to flatten the curve. If we do this, we can prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and we can save many lives.

We have to do this by continuing with what we have learnt already:  we must always follow good hygiene practises and wear a cloth mask when in public at all times. We must stay home and keep a distance from others. If we are sick, we must not leave our house: and first call our hotline to find out what to do next.

We must work harder now than ever before. I know we can stop the spread, if we all work together in this way.

Media release: New risk adjusted lockdown welcomed in the Western Cape

Date: 24 April 2020

Release: Immediately

New risk adjusted lockdown welcomed in the Western Cape

We welcome the commitment by President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement a new approach to the lockdown and ease the current restrictions from 1 May 2020 in South Africa.

We have supported the nation-wide lockdown implemented by national government to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic in the Western Cape. However the detrimental impact that this temporary closure of the economy on businesses, especially small businesses and the informal sector, as well as individual employees, has been huge. And so, the risk adjusted strategy to the lockdown will begin to breath new life into the economy in the Western Cape.

The devil is in the detail and so we will:

  • work with national government to implement the new approach to the lockdown by making recommendations on appropriate “alert levels” for districts within the province; and
  • work with business where required to prepare submissions on industry classifications, prepare health and safety protocols to protect employees and prepare workplace plans to prevent the spread of infection.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

Notes for media:

Find link to article online here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/new-risk-adjusted-lockdown-welcomed-western-cape

 

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

Media Release: Update on the coronvirus by Premier Alan Winde

24 April 2020 

As of 17h00 on 23 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1314 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 1314
Total recoveries 244
Total deaths 28
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 1042
Patients in hospital 62 of which 24 are in ICU
Total tests conducted 22691

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases
Western 312
Southern 186
Northern 59
Tygerberg 138
Eastern 126
Klipfontein 80
Mitchells Plain 88
Khayelitsha 121
Total 1110

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 15
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 13
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 22
Cape Winelands Langeberg 2
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 55
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Swartland 7
     

Unallocated: 15

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

A case previously allocated to the Matzikama sub-district has been reallocated.

The Western Cape is saddened to announce another three deaths in the province, bringing the total number of deaths to 28. They include a 76 year old woman, a 44 year old woman and a 31 year old man- all with significant comorbidities. We send our condolences to their families and loved ones at this time.

Rigorous screening and testing:

I understand that our residents are worried as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the Western Cape, but this is a natural result of our more rigorous testing approach.

Our strategy is to do screening and testing even more rigorously. This is the best way to contain the virus and to flatten the curve.

We are going to face a very challenging time in the weeks and months to come. The lockdown has helped, but it has not stopped the virus. The peak is still to come, and many people will be infected by Covid-19.

That is why it is so important that every single one of us continue to play our part to flatten the curve. If we do this, we can prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and we can save many lives.

A total of 150 847 people have been screened in the province this month- with 6006 sent for testing.

Our increased focus on screening and testing has helped us to respond to areas of risk as we identify them, and then quarantine or isolate people where necessary, as part of our prevention strategy.

Municipal assistance:

Today, we can announce that R16.2 million in additional funding has been allocated to municipalities in the province towards humanitarian relief. Our district and local municipalities are closest to the ground, and on a day to day basis, are delivering services to residents. They therefore have a good sense of where needs are greatest and this additional funding will help them to address some of the most immediate needs.

Minister of Local Government, and Environmental Affairs, Anton Bredell said: “The Provincial Department of Local Government has allocated additional funding of R16.2 million to various municipalities in the Western Cape with a focus on those municipalities most at need. The R16.2 million has been reallocated from existing budgets and is going to support municipalities in the Western Cape with humanitarian relief for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Municipalities are already providing much needed relief in various forms, including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food parcels. This allocation will assist them in continuing to do so. The funds have been transferred directly to the municipal accounts,” Minister Bredell said.

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

23 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 22April, the Western Cape has recorded 1068 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 1153
Total recoveries 236
Total deaths 25
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 892
Patients in hospital 53 of which 23 are in ICU
Total tests conducted 21077

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases
Western 298
Southern 179
Northern 49
Tygerberg 105
Eastern 99
Klipfontein 72
Mitchells Plain 75
Khayelitsha 77
Total 954

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 15
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 11
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 18
Cape Winelands Langeberg 2
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 43
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Matzikama 1
West Coast Swartland 6

Unallocated: 29

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The Western Cape is saddened to announce another three deaths in the province- bringing the total number of deaths to 25-two women aged 62 and 63 respectively and a 41 year old man. We send our condolences to their family and loved ones at this time.

The deaths indicate that the elderly and people with co-morbid medical conditions (like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are particularly at risk of severe Covid-19 disease. We call for special attention and precautions to protect the elderly and people with chronic diseases against exposure to Covid-19. It is also important to stress the need for healthy lifestyles and the annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent COVID-19 infection, but it can protect the vulnerable from contracting the flu and further compromising immunity.

The Western Cape Government is working hard to ensure that the health system is able to respond to the peak of this pandemic, and that the sick will receive the appropriate care. But in order to achieve this, we need to “flatten the curve” and this will require every single person in the Western Cape’s help.

We need to make sure that we continue to practice physical distancing and good hygiene at all times. If you are not feeling well, you must stay home, and call our hotline for advice on what to do next. And, we should all be wearing cloth masks (properly with good hygiene practices) whenever we go out into public.

President Ramaphosa’s address tonight:

President Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation tonight on the lockdown.

Whatever approach is adopted by the President going forward, one reality is clear: we are entering into a “new normal” in South Africa. The lockdown has given us precious time to prepare for the peak of the pandemic, but it has not stopped it.

There is a lot of hard work still needed from us all. Indeed, we all have an important role to play in flattening the curve, and I urge all our residents to keep up their hard work in helping us do so. We are all in this together.

I am so thankful for the determination shown by so many of our residents to date.

Community screening:

The Western Cape Government has now screened over 100 000 people through its community screening programme, with 123 683 people screened and 5230 tested since the programme was first rolled out at the beginning of April.

This has been an incredible effort and we thank all of those that have been involved so far.

Food response:

Today, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber, handed over 10 000 fruit parcels to be distributed by the Gift of the Givers, to families in need. We thank these farmers for giving back to their communities and helping to support efforts to feed those who are in need of nutritious food right now. I would also like to thank the Gift of the Givers and all of the other NGOs and individuals who have recognized the need in our society and responded.

Whether people are providing one person with one meal, or helping to feed thousands, these acts of kindness and generosity are appreciated.

23 April 2020 Media Release: An update from the Garden Route District Business, Economy and Tourism cluster

Media Release: An update from the Garden Route District Business, Economy and Tourism cluster

For immediate release
23 April 2020

As round two of the nationwide lockdown has kicked off the term ‘business unusual’ is starting to feel somewhat like the ‘new normal’. Despite the challenges South Africans face, everyone has to remember that we are a resilient nation in full support of a resilient province, who is geared to lead the economy to recovery soon.

With the extension of lockdown, various amendments were announced, and residents need to familiarise themselves with how these impact them.

Here are answers to several of the most frequently asked questions we received:

“Do I need to update my CIPC Essential Service Certificate, and how do I it?”

According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Companies registered through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission’s (CIPC) BizPortal to perform essential services during the lockdown period will be required to have a new certificate from the BizPortal website for the extended period. This began on 17 April 2020.

Read more about it at: https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/faq/faq/do-i-need-to-update-my-cipc-essential-service-certificate-and-how-do-i-it/

“What is listed as an essential service during the extended lockdown?”

In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, “essential service” is defined as the services defined in section 213 of the Labour Relations Act, however there have been some recent amendments made.

Click on the link below to find the list and to read more about it: https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/faq/faq/what-is-listed-as-an-essential-service-during-the-lockdown/

As stated previously, the Garden Route District Business, Economy and Tourism Cluster works closely with key collaborative partners in the region as well as the Western Cape Government in order to assist businesses.  We therefore urge businesses to access the Covid-19 Content Centre where enquiries are address in ‘real time’.  If you are still trying to figure out what support is available for your business, do consult the COVID-19 Support Finder at: https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/covid-19-support-finder

Once again we urge residents in the region to stay calm, ascertain what’s going on around them and adhere to the lockdown regulations.

Media release: COVID-19: Western Cape Provincial Overview 4

COVID-19: Western Cape Provincial Overview 4

23 April 2020

Western Cape Municipalities are implementing ongoing humanitarian and feeding initiatives to assist vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Many Municipal Councils have already approved funding to either implement or support existing food security initiatives in their communities.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell has praised the municipalities for their ongoing efforts during this time.

“My department is working hard to support all our municipalities and we are looking at providing urgently needed additional financial support to our councils to further assist them in their critical work, feeding our people.”

Some of the work being done in municipalities across the province:

  • In George Municipality 23 000 meals per day are being served from 138 municipality supported home-based soup kitchens in vulnerable communities. There is at least one soup kitchen set up in every vulnerable area, five to ten kitchens in larger communities, more than 20 in the greater Thembalethu area and nearly 30 in rural areas.  Most kitchens serve two meals a day – pap at around 10am and soup, noodles or another meal based on types of food available, at around 2pm. The people involved have been trained in the Covid-19 health protocols and supplied with hygiene packs and protective gear including masks, gloves and sanitiser. They have been issued with health permits and social distancing, handwashing and other health and safety measures are implemented.
  • Drakenstein municipality, working with over 200 local NGOs, is rolling out a food aid programme. The Drakenstein Municipality food aid programme is additional to the Municipality’s 11 soup kitchens, the School Feeding Scheme, the Department of Social Development’s food hamper project, the SASSA Relief of Social Distress Programme, and the work done by various faith-based and local community organisations. Municipal account payment date has been extended to 30 April.
  • Hessequa Municipality has extended the accounts payments for March to 15 May. No interest will be charged.
  • Stellenbosch Municipality has expanded its financial payment relief offering and won’t be charging any interest on arrears accounts for April, May and June 2020. The Stellenbosch Unite is a collaborative aid action providing social support to vulnerable community members during the Covid-19 pandemic. The collaboration brings together Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Visit Stellenbosch (civil society), SCAN (Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network, representing the non-profit sector) and the Greater Stellenbosch Development Trust (administrators). As a first priority, Stellenbosch Unite will be supplying weekly food packages to identified vulnerable families.
  • Knysna Municipality and the Rotary Club of Knysna are working together to further implement the municipality’s Humanitarian and Social Relief Programme. The aim is to distribute up to 1 000 relief parcels per week.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality continues to implement a mass sanitation of public spaces program. One of the areas focused on is taxi ranks in town and communal toilet areas in informal settlements.
  • The City of Cape Town continues to provide basic and essential services to approximately 200 000 informal households. The City has rolled out 31 water trucks in communities where access to water is constrained. This project has seen more than 13 million litres of water delivered to date. The City of Cape Town is also now offering guest houses and B&Bs an option of applying to change their property classification – if they need to – as a result of the Covid-19 impact which in some cases could cut rates bills in half.

“We continue to urge all residents to work with us. Cooperate with the authorities. Stay at home and adhere to the regulations,” Bredell says.

He has urged all citizens with questions or concerns to visit the website: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus or to get in touch with their local municipalities for assistance.

“This website is an up to date source of information for all citizens and gets updated continuously as information comes in. In addition, if you have flu-like symptoms, and have come into contact with someone who has Covid-19, please contact the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what to do next. Please always get a second opinion if you are at all concerned.”

END

Media Enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister  of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

22 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 21 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1068 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 1068
Total recoveries 229
Total deaths 22
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 817
Patients in hospital 43 of which are 19 in ICU
Total tests conducted 20268

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases
Western 266
Southern 170
Northern 44
Tygerberg 93
Eastern 86
Klipfontein 65
Mitchells Plain 65
Khayelitsha 67
Total 856

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 15
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 10
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 17
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 35
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Matzikama 1
West Coast Swartland 5

Unallocated: 53

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The Western Cape also recorded five new deaths yesterday. These include three men, aged 43, 49 and 79 and two women, aged 54 and 95 respectively. We send our condolences to all of their loved ones at this time.

Healthcare response:

The Western Cape has now officially recorded over 1000 COVID-19 infections since the first case was detected on 11 March. As the Western Cape Government and the Department of Health work around the clock to ensure that we are prepared for the peak of infection, every single resident has a role to play in stopping the spread. Hand washing, hygiene measures, keeping a physical distance of 1.5 metres and wearing a clean, cloth mask out in public are simple things we can all do that will ultimately pay huge dividends and help us to save lives.

The province has now also recorded its 20 000th test for COVID-19. Screening and testing are among the tools we can use to fight this pandemic, showing us where we need to concentrate our efforts. We thank all of those who have gone to get screened or tested, as well as the thousands of doctors, nurses and community health care workers who are part of our community screening and testing efforts.

We are however deeply concerned that the screening and testing teams continue to come under attack in communities. These teams are vital in our response to COVID-19 and any attack on them hinders our ability to respond effectively to this pandemic.

The Western Cape Government’s scenario planning shows that at its peak, the province expects approximately 80 000 people to be infected and symptomatic. About 90% of these will recover at home but we still anticipate a shortfall of 1000 beds in acute and 750 beds in critical care. We are planning field hospitals to account for the need for acute beds, but even in the best-case scenario and with private beds, we will have a shortfall in critical care beds, which is driven by a shortage in critical care nurses.

This is why it is so important that every person continues to play their part in flattening the curve, so that our healthcare system can manage with the increase in Covid-19 patients. Every single person has a role to play.

Comment from Health Minister, Nomafrench Mbombo:

In flattening the curve, we need your cooperation, government cannot do this alone. I cannot emphasize this enough, stay at home and leave your house only when necessary. When you enter a clinic, hospital, shop, office, petrol station, bus, or taxi or any other place there there are people, rub our hands with an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer and make sure that you keep distance between yourself and anyone else.

It’s the little things we do that will ensure we succeed in flattening this curve.

Response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcements:

Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a R500 billion package of COVID-19 relief, including R20 billion towards the healthcare response and humanitarian relief including increases in the values of social grants, tax relief and support for businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in huge economic pressure being placed on people across the country. As a result, we have seen a drastic increase in the number of families in the province who are unable to afford basic necessities like food and electricity.

The R200 billion loan scheme with the major banks will also allow companies in distress to continue to pay salaries and cover operational costs, thereby further helping to protect jobs.

We welcome these efforts to support our economy and vulnerable communities; but we also now need much more detail on how this will be executed going forward.

Today, the Western Cape cabinet also received a briefing from the Solidarity Fund, regarding their humanitarian and medical response across the country. The Solidarity Fund has been working with our disaster management teams in line with our efforts to map all the relief currently being offered in the province. We need a coordinated humanitarian relief approach so that no vulnerable person is left behind. We welcome their efforts to roll out relief quickly to those who need it most and we look forward to working together with them going forward.

Looting:

Over the past few days, we have seen an increased number of incidents of looting and public violence. We are facing a major humanitarian crisis across South Africa, as the impact of the lock-down hits vulnerable people. This worries me tremendously, and we have taken a number of steps to help as much as possible. Thousands of NGOs and community based organisations are doing the same.

However, I must be crystal clear: breaking the law will not be tolerated.

Looting is criminal, and the stealing of food parcels, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We are already under extreme pressure to provide food and assistance to people, and criminal acts place even further pressure on us. Beyond this however, these thefts are hurting the poor and the hungry, who rely on those food parcels for their survival.

Parliamentary processes and oversight:

This week, the Western Cape Provincial Parliament will hold two virtual sittings- a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee this afternoon where I, together with Minister Nomafrench Mbombo will be presenting the Western Cape Government’s response to COVID-19, as well as questions to the Premier on Thursday afternoon.

I welcome the efforts by the WCPP to provide transparent oversight and for upholding our democratic principals at this time.