Media Release: Residents can still access Human Settlements frontline services

For Immediate Release
7 May 2020

Since the lockdown was instituted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, 207 enquiries were recorded at the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements Helpdesk between 27 March and 30 April. During the same period, the Rental Housing Tribunal (RHT) received 159 enquiries. The normal combined average for these frontline services would be well over 2 000 queries per month.

Among others, and besides general housing queries, residents required assistance about the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) and the Housing Demand Database. Pertaining to the RHT, queries related to evictions, non-payment of rentals, termination of municipal services, hearing dates, utilising deposits to cover the arear rental payments and moving to a new house during the lockdown period.

At this stage, although the Department of Human Settlement is operating a limited service due to the continued lockdown regulations, all citizens still have access to both the helpdesk and RHT via telephone or email, between 8am – 4pm (see attached).

It’s pleasing to note that residents are still using the service. I’d like to encourage all citizens to continue doing so, as the advice offered and recommendations made, could assist in  resolving or clarifying some of the concerns they might have. As much as we’re currently unable to provide a full service, residents should know that our committed frontline staff are here to assist them.

Since the lockdown regulations have been relaxed from Alert level 5 to 4, we’ve commenced with preparing the Helpdesk area, for full accessible service to re-commence soon. Although we don’t have a set opening date, the preparation includes the availability of hand sanitising as citizens enter and exit the area, ensuring that both the public and staff wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE), which consists of masks and gloves and rearranging the area to ensure enough space, so that there’s compliance with social distancing.

We continue to find ourselves in a challenging period, which requires all of our cooperation. It is vital we maintain the social distance and practice good and effective hygiene, if we’re going to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za / 021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 06 May 2020

Release: immediately

Notes for media: To read the statement online and view the video of Minister Maynier’s visit to House of Monatic, visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/helping-businesses-open-safely-and-responsibly

Helping businesses to open safely and responsibly

We firmly believe that if done responsibly, the economy in the Western Cape can open up while preventing the spread of Covid-19, and so we are committed to supporting businesses through this crisis.

With the commencement of the Alert Level 4 restrictions on the 1 May 2020 as part of national government’s Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, a number of non-essential businesses were permitted to open, with the condition that they implement a number of measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

So, we are working together with our partners in government, business and industry to ensure that business have the information they need to open safely, and in a responsible way.

We have worked closely with the Western Cape Department of Health to prepare Covid-19 health guidelines for business. These guidelines not only provide information on how businesses can prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, but also what to do if an employee displays symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19. The guidelines can be found on our Covid-19 website: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections

These guidelines include information on, for example:

• How to perform a risk assessment of a work site
• How to perform an employee risk assessment and prepare a work procedure plan
• Advice on training of employees
• Advice on the provision of PPE

We have produced a range of information material for employers and their staff to utilise in the workplace such as posters, checklists and decals, that remind people of health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19. These can also be downloaded on the Covid-19 website: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources

Finally, to assist businesses to procure the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required to protect employees, together with the City of Cape Town and Wesgro, and in partnership with FNB/RMB, we have today launched a dedicated online PPE marketplace that provides a single place for small and large PPE manufacturers to promote their product ranges, and for businesses to secure masks and other PPE. The PPE marketplace can be found at www.supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace

Our Western Cape Department of Health and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are also available to provide support to businesses where needed  to help stop the spread of Covid-19 in businesses.

And, as always, our dedicated Covid-19 Content Centre team is available to provide support and advice on the Alert Level 4 restrictions and how these might affect your business. You can email supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za or visit www.supportbusiness.co.za for more information.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the Alert Level restrictions, 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.

We are committed to supporting business in the Western Cape through this crisis.

Yesterday, I visited the House of Monatic, an iconic fashion house in the City of Cape Town that has a 100-year history as a proudly South African business and job creator in the Western Cape. Just before the nation-wide lockdown came into effect, they had moved their operation to Epping, and were looking forward to an exciting new start in their new premises. These plans have unfortunately now been put on hold.

Despite these challenges, House of Monatic has innovated and adapted, moving from the design and manufacturing of menswear, to the design and manufacturing of cloth masks, and the factory is kicking back to life with around 30% of their employees returning to work with new health and safety measures in place to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Like many businesses in the Western Cape, House of Monatic, is an inspiring story of resilience in these tough times. The Western Cape economy can and will rebound from this crisis, and together we will do everything possible to ensure that. Watch video>>

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

6 May 2020

As of 1pm on 6 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3771 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 130

*Data notes: Cases previously reported in Mitchells Plain (2) and Drakenstein (1), have been reallocated as address data has been updated.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 2 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 72. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Personal Protective Equipment:

The Western Cape Department of Health has more than doubled PPE stocks on hand in the past week and we now have R102 million worth of stocks on hand- with more on order.

The Department has also developed a dashboard that allows them to track the stock holding of each type of PPE at any given time. As equipment is used and new orders are received, this will be reflected on the dashboard.

Full PPE kits are provided to medical personnel conducting COVID-19 tests and those treating COVID-19 positive patients. Community healthcare workers receive cloth masks and aprons for their work in the field when dealing with non-COVID cases and surgical masks for when they work with COVID-19 related cases.

Our healthcare workers are vital in our response to COVID-19 and their safety is of utmost concern to us but as infections rise, our stocks of PPE will be used up faster. This is another reason why it is absolutely vital for residents to work towards flattening the curve- so that our healthcare systems and stocks are not overwhelmed.

Today, the Western Cape Government, in partnership with Wesgro and the City of Cape Town launched a PPE marketplace-a digital platform that connects businesses looking to buy PPE, with companies that make them. The platform allows suppliers to promote their goods, and companies to find suppliers of protective gear. The initial focus is on cloth masks but the range of products will be expanded as new suppliers are brought on board.

We encourage businesses making PPE in the province to sign up at https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace/.

Cloth masks:

Under the level four regulations, it is mandatory that people leaving their homes wear cloth masks.

When worn correctly, cloth masks play an important role in the fight against COVID-19. However, they must be used properly and always together with the golden rules of hygiene. A mask alone will not prevent you from being infected.

In order to be most effective, cloth masks must be clean and must be put on, worn and removed correctly. This means only touching the mask by the straps, and washing your hands before putting it on, and after removing it. Never fiddle with the mask or touch the inside.

Masks are also only one line of defence and should not replace hand washing and other hygiene measures. Social distancing is always important, even when you are wearing mask. Wearing the mask incorrectly ie. covering only the mouth, or removing it while speaking, defeats the purpose of wearing a mask- which is to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus by sick people.

We also call on businesses to ensure that the appropriate measures are being taken to ensure staff safety in the workplace and to enforce mask wearing.

Community testing and screening update:

The Western Cape Government community screening and testing program has so far screened 284 731 people across the province, and tested 9418 of these. Screening and testing is an important tool in helping us to accurately pinpoint where infections are occurring and where a person does test positive, to start the contact tracing process.

Anyone displaying symptoms (dry cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath) is advised to call the hotline on 021 928 4102 for directions on what to do next. Testing facilities are available across the province, and the hotline will direct you to the appropriate one.

Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements construction to recommence

For Immediate Release
6 May 2020

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says, all projects, in accordance with level 4 lockdown regulations, will recommence with immediate effect.

It is critical to note that as per the draft framework, which details the staggered lifting of lockdown restrictions under level 4, this only refers to “civil engineering for public works projects (including water, energy and sanitation) and critical public works construction, including other public works civil engineering projects,” and not the entire construction sector.

Simmers said: “To ensure contractors adhere to all health and safety protocols, we’ve issued a directive as to what needs to be in place, prior to employees returning to site, as their safety and protection is paramount during this period.”

The following regulations and legislation are applicable:

–         Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993)

–         Construction Regulations 2014

–         Disaster Management Act, 2002

–         Regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002

The onus is placed on the employer or owner of the construction company to adhere to the following:

1. Ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all staff, contractors and sub-contractors to enable

– social distancing;

– the provision of sanitizers/hand wash facilities, PPE, symptoms screening on site;

– record-keeping and

– housekeeping and cleaning of workspace.

2. Ensure that measures are in place to deal with employees who display   symptoms.
3. Ensure that transportation of employees adhere to the health and safety requirements.
4. Ensure that measures are in place to address mental health and wellbeing of employees.

A checklist has been provided to assist the construction industry to adhere to the regulatory and legislative requirements.

Minister Simmers added: “Although we’ve not received formal confirmation from the National Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, since writing to her on 29 April, we’ve received communication from the national Acting-Director-General, Mr. Neville Chainee, indicating that “public housing programmes fall within the categorisation of public works, civil and construction works.”

We fully agree with Acting Director-General’s view and this forms part of the reason why we’re resuming with construction on our sites.

This return will now allow us to swiftly, as part of our Rapid Informal Settlement Support and Upgrade Programme (RISSUP), complete the erection of our Transitional Residential Units (TRU’s) in the Permanent Residential Areas (PRA’s). These PRA’s will be established on pieces of land in DuNoon and the Greater Kosovo areas, so that the informal settlements in these areas can be re-blocked.

We’re also in a better position to conclude critical work on some of our units that are close to completion. This will mean that those who are so desperately in need of a housing opportunity and that’s patiently been waiting, will be afforded the opportunity to move into their brand-new homes.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe 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)

6 May 2020

Municipalities across the Western Cape continue to implement feeding schemes and various support measures to assist communities during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, says municipalities have been humbled by the support and generosity from private individuals, businesses and community organisations who are providing ongoing assistance in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

“I want to thank the entities and individuals who are working with us and helping us to look after those most vulnerable. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be an enormous challenge and if it wasn’t for the cooperation and support that we have been getting from our communities, then the situation would have been much more serious.”

Bredell has also praised the municipalities and their workers for the ongoing efforts.

“I want to ask the public to continue to work with us in adhering to regulations. Please verify all information before sharing it and rely on official channels for information. Ongoing fake news continues to cause unnecessary tension at this time.”

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

• Swartland Municipality has approximately 70 Feeding schemes in ongoing operation in its municipal area which are coordinated and supported by leading NPO organisations. The areas include Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Goedgedacht and Riebeek Valley.
• In Stellenbosch, the StellenboschUnite collaborative aid action continues to provide social support including supplies weekly food packages to identified vulnerable families  The municipality has channelled R1.2 m towards this food relief program.
• In George, 137 municipal soup kitchens continue feeding about 20 000 people across the municipal area every day. The municipal actions are  is strongly supported thanks to the generosity of private individuals, businesses and community organisations who donate towards the enormous task.
• Wearing protective clothing, Drakenstein Municipality’s Solid Waste Management teams continue cleaning areas that experience high volumes of traffic.
• Cape Winelands District Municipality continues to actively support the Witzenberg Municipality in their efforts to prevent infections. Community communications with a local flavour is being driven to better inform and encourage citizens to adhere to the regulations.
• West Coast District Municipality has provided the municipality’s Incident Command bus to Western Cape Provincial Traffic to utilise during roadblocks at Bitterfontein on the N7 highway. The bus provides officials with an area to have strategic meetings and supplies light when roadblocks take place in the evening.
• Hessequa Municipality has completed the installation of 13 additional water tanks in informal settlement areas. These tanks provide additional water to the communities and are filled regularly by the municipality.
• The City of Cape Town has created 3000 SMME COVID-19 Toolkits, containing the essentials to help get businesses back to work safely as soon as they are allowed to do so. The kits include safety posters, Information on relief funding and support opportunities,          Hand sanitiser and face masks.

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

“If you have flu-like symptoms, and may 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.”

 ENDS.

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson to the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Western Cape Government

9th Floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town, South Africa

Telephone: +27 21 483 2820 / Mobile: +27 84 5831670 / E-mail: james-brent.styan@westerncape.gov.za

5 May 2020

As of 1pm on 5 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3677 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 119

*Data notes: Cases previously reported in Knysna and Mitchells Plain, have been reallocated as address data has been updated.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 70. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Testing and screening update:

The Western Cape has screened a total of 267 347 people across the province, and tested 8 838 of these in our active case finding community screening and testing program. In total, the province has tested 47 751 people.

The Western Cape data has shown that transmission among members of the community is established, and that the provincial curve is climbing at a faster rate. Flattening this curve requires each and every citizen in the province to act responsibly in order to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to ensure that the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable who will be impacted most severely, are protected.

International Hand Hygiene Day:

Today marks International Hand Hygiene Day. Handwashing is always important because it is a simple but highly effective way to fight disease and prevent infections. This year, as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing is especially important as we work to stop the spread and flatten the curve. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help play your part in stopping COVID-19.

Combined with staying at home, practicing physical distancing and wearing a clean, cloth mask, hygiene measures like handwashing, are an effective way to stop the spread of the virus.

We call on all workplaces that are currently operational under the level four regulations to ensure their employees safety by providing handwashing facilities, or hand sanitisers, in addition to putting in place measures like social distancing, screening and compulsory mask wearing in the workplace.

Safety on public transport:

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Transport and Public Works has created a reporting mechanism to report unsafe public transport. Residents using public transport can dial *134*234# from their mobile phone to report overfull minibus, midibus, metered or e-hailing taxis, drivers who are not wearing masks, or taxis not supplying hand sanitisers on board.

Where people encounter unsafe public transport, we urge them to report it and help to stop the spread.

Provincial relief for cultural, creative and sports sectors:

Today, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport announced a provincial relief fund for the cultural, creative and sports sectors.

Before the lockdown, the Western Cape was home to thriving cultural, artistic and sports scenes and we are home to many talented artists, musicians and sportsmen and women. Those working in these sectors have been heavily impacted by the cancellation of gatherings, events and sporting fixtures and the province has devised two types of relief- for cultural and creative support and for sports and recreation support.

Applications for the fund close on 19 May and more information, including the qualifying criteria and applications forms can be found here https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/provincial-relief-cultural-creative-and-sports-sectors

#Sharethelove:

Today we also announce the launch of our #ShareTheLove campaign which seeks to highlight the great work being done by so many people living in the Western Cape to help each other through the Covid-19 crisis. There are many ways that each of us can play our part, not only in stopping the spread of Covid-19, but also helping each other through this challenging time. Now, more than ever, we need to be kind and considerate to our family, friends and strangers, and I encourage you all to share the love, and post your photos and ideas of how others can also share the love on social media with #sharethelove.

Today, my wife Tracy and I had the opportunity to visit Ladles of Love, an NGO working to feed thousands of hungry people in the province, and doing a tremendous job of sharing the love. They are currently operating out of the CTICC, which has allowed them to use the CTICC kitchens, as well as some of their floor space for packing and distribution.

Ladles of Love is an organisation that is doing a great job of sharing the love, and you can share the love by supporting them, or any charity in your community. Even the smallest action, like phoning an elderly relative, or buying a food voucher at your local grocery store can make a huge difference to someone. Visit  our website for more information on how you can get involved and #ShareTheLove: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

We thank all of those residents who have opened their hearts to help communities across the province and spread love and kindness when it is most needed.

Media Release: Illegal evictions are not allowed during lockdown period

For Immediate Release
4 May 2020

I’ve written to the Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz and his Department, requesting they seek clarity from the South African Police Services (SAPS), as to why they’re allegedly turning away tenants who have illegally been evicted.

We have received two complaints in the Cape Metropolitan area where it is alleged that SAPS officers have refused to assist tenants. It is critical that no other person experience an injustice such as this.

The regulations issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, Chapter 3, paragraph 19 states there is “a prohibition on evictions. A competent court may grant an order for the eviction of any person from land or a home in terms of the provisions of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 62 of 1997 and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998. Provided that any order of eviction shall be stayed and suspended until the last day Alert level 4, unless a court decides that it is not just and equitable to stay and suspend the order until the last day of the Alert level 4 period.”

SAPS has a responsibility to enforce the laws of this country and as such these incidents which we’re aware of are disturbing and unacceptable to say the least. I will not allow alleged lawlessness to creep into the system, particularly not from those who swore to uphold and defend the law. The Western Cape Department of Community Safety has been requested to get to the bottom of this.

It is particularly now during this unprecedented and challenging period that we need our SAPS to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

I would like to also remind both tenants and landlords to find each other during this difficult period. Where common ground cannot be found, feel free to contact the Rental Housing Tribunal for assistance.

We should as one defend the laws of our country and the lives of the most vulnerable. This is critical in our fight against COVID-19 and if we’re going to #StopTheSpread

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

4 May 2020

As of 1pm on 4 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3451 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 131

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 64. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Testing through the NHLS:

The Western Cape, through our active case finding approach, has ramped up its testing significantly. Since the 27 April 2020, some 19 619 tests have been conducted in this province.

The vast majority of these tests have been initiated through the public sector, given our testing strategy. These tests are sent to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), the national entity responsible for testing in the public health system, to determine if the patient is Covid-19 positive.

This major increase in testing in the Western Cape in the last two weeks is now starting to have an impact on the capacity of the NHLS in this province and countrywide, to process all the tests timeously. This has impacted on the release of test results at regular intervals. We will take this matter up with the President and the National Minister of Health, to request additional testing capacity to be added to the country’s NHLS as we can expect testing to increase further countrywide. There is also a need for testing options that provide results much quicker.

It is important to look at the data over a period of time to check trends, which can be viewed on our dedicated Covid-19 dashboard.

Acceleration of Covid-19 cases:

We are seeing an acceleration in positive Covid-19 cases, which indicates established transmission of the virus between residents in communities and that the curve is continuing to climb at a faster rate. This transmission has been initiated through cluster outbreaks, centred on places that were deemed essential during level 5 of the lockdown, such as supermarkets. Our data has shown growing transmission in specific geographic areas, particularly in the City of Cape Town and Witzenberg.

This is why it is critical that we continue to be extra vigilant and cautious. The level 5 lockdown did not stop the Covid-19, it only bought us time to prepare for the peak which is still to come.

This week we launched a radio ad, in all 3 languages, which runs across 29 radio stations in our province. Our message remains that every time you gather in any space you are at high risk of transmitting or being infected with Covid-19 and that you must be careful: keep your distance at all times, wear a cloth mask, and follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times.

Safety in the workplace:

In line with level four regulations, a large number of people across the country will have returned to work today. Businesses and employers must ensure that the risks of infection in the workplace are properly managed. Every single workplace must be taking responsibility for their staff and their clientele. This includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of work spaces and ensuring hand washing facilities or sanitisers are available. The wearing of cloth masks is compulsory and must be enforced by businesses. Where other PPE is appropriate and necessary, this must be worn. Workers must be allowed to social distance- whether they are working in retail, in manufacturing spaces or in office spaces. Where staff are able to continue to work from home, this must be allowed.

Certain businesses may have risks that are specific to their sector or their workspace- which require careful thinking and planning. These could include disabling finger print access scanners, devising systems for contact-free deliveries, and implementing shift work. The Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are working to devise safety protocols to guide various sectors on how to stop the spread.

Personal safety:

For those who are not returning to work yet, the golden rules remain in place. Stay at home and only go out when it is absolutely essential. When leaving home, clean cloth masks must be worn. Handwashing and sanitizing is essential. Social distancing is paramount- in queues at shops, at medical facilities and when receiving a grant.

Do not leave your home if you are sick. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, a dry cough or a fever, call the hotline on 021 928 4102, who will direct you on the next steps to take.

The elderly and those who have underlying conditions must stay at home if at all possible. We understand that social grants, including old aged pensions are currently being paid out, and many of our elderly and our vulnerable will be out in public at this time. The golden rules must be practiced and we also call on those residents not collecting grants stay home at this time to reduce the large numbers of people in supermarkets, on public transport and in queues.

We must all be practicing maximum caution to ensure that we stay safe and avoid infecting people who are vulnerable. This is imperative to help us flatten the curve and save lives.

Message from Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo:

Today I visited Du Noon, which is in the Western Sub-District- one of the sub-districts with the highest number of infections in the Metro. Du Noon, which has high vulnerability because it is densely populated, with 35 769 people living in an estimated 13 356 households, and high levels of poverty, is an area of concern for us.

Due to this area having a number of hotspots, we have devised a strategy that is beyond the normal routine with a ramped up campaign to intensify mass community screening and testing over the next 14 days. Through this effort we aim to identify positive cases, and to isolate these residents where needs be, slowing further spread. We call on this community, and in fact all communities across the province, to exercise the utmost caution in their daily lives to avoid contracting the virus.

We are committed to ensuring that we flatten the curve.

 Seasonal farm workers: 

The Western Cape has devised a protocol for seasonal farm workers from the Western Cape who want to return home. Under this protocol, workers traveling home will require a permit from their employer indicating that they are involved in the provision of an essential service, and that they are returning home after completing seasonal work. Employers must ensure that staff are screened before undertaking the trip- and provide evidence of this screening. This includes a note to accompany the permit detailing the date and time of the temperature/fever reading was completed as well as the name and signature of the person who screened the worker.

I will be writing to the Western Cape police as well as to the Eastern Cape Premier to notify them of the steps taken to ensure the safe return of seasonal workers. We expect a similar level of rigour from the Eastern Cape Government.

3 May 2020 

As of 1pm on 3 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3113 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 115

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 58. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Most successful day of testing:

Yesterday, the province recorded a record number of tests- with 4059 completed in a 24-hour period. Focused testing and screening, conducted at hotspots, or in pockets of infection are key in our fight to flatten the curve and to stop the spread. This cannot however be achieved through testing alone, and requires the buy in and help of everyone in society.

It is still necessary for people to stay home in line with the regulation four guidelines, to wash their hands and to practice social distancing.

Level four lockdown:

Tomorrow, many more residents will be returning to work for the first time since the start of the lockdown. We urge those returning to work and businesses that will be re-opening to make hygiene and safety their number one priority. The use of cloth masks is mandatory and social distancing must be observed. The Western Cape Departments of Health, Economic Opportunities and Agriculture are all currently working on developing protocols for various sectors, which will be communicated with them soon.

Businesses looking for support and advice on the level four lockdown regulations and what they mean for them, can email supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za.