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

For Immediate Release
31 May 2020

The Garden Route has recorded five (5) COVID-19 deaths to date, 2 in George, 2 in Mossel Bay and 1 in Knysna. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 24 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 26 new positive COVID-19 cases – a total of 98 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.

The directives relating to Alert Level 3 was issued earlier this week. We are relieved that the Garden Route district was not identified as a hotspot area, although there were articles doing the rounds that indicated otherwise.

Tomorrow, 1 June 2020, the entire country moves to Alert Level 3 which is welcomed as an opportunity to begin to breathe new life into the economy. It is however important that all employers and employees adhere to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. Those employees who are able to work from home are urged to do so because by staying home it ensures that those who can’t work from home can return to work safely – this makes it possible for the number of people on public transport and in the workplace to be reduced and for social distancing to be maintained.

Below find a breakdown of the Garden Route District Command Centre cluster feedback for the past week.

HEALTH CLUSTER

HEALTH STATISTICS

Statistics from a week back compared to today, 31 May 2020

STATISTICS RELATING TO UNDERLYING DISEASES IN RELATION TO COVID-19 DEATHS IN THE WESTERN CAPE

Stay safe by adopting these prevention strategies

• Keep hydrated and monitor your blood glucose, blood pressure and temperature.
• Take your medication correctly as prescribed by your health worker. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you touch your meds.
• If you are a stable patient, then you will get multi-month supplies from the health facility. Do not stop taking your medication unless the health worker tells you to. And never share your medication with anybody.
• Try to make time to do physical activities for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Keep your blood sugar levels as normal as possible (<5.5mmol) by eating healthy food. Have small regular meals.
• Find out what your healthy weight should be.

HEALTH: ESSENTIAL WORKERS

In the Cape Town metro area 204 essential workers receive transport from a total of 77 Red Dot taxi services. The Garden Route district will also see the roll-out of the same service for essential workers from 1 June 2020.

The figures shared on Friday, 29 May 2020 regarding screening are as follows:

The total number of people screened to date in the Garden Route district stands at 91 955. Of these, 486 have been referred for testing.

HEALTH: QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION FACILITIES

Two people are currently in quarantine and two in isolation at the PetroSA quarantine and isolation facility. There is space for 2092 people in private self-isolation facilities in the Garden Route at the moment

SAFETY AND SECURITY CLUSTER

• Exercise times have been extended from 06:00 till 18:00, but not for groups.
• Cross border travel under alert level 4 was allowed for only seven days, clarity has not been provided in terms of how it will work under alert level 3.
• Attendance of funerals is still the same as it was under alert level 4 for a maximum of 50 allowed.
• The current regulations indicate that all beaches must remain closed
• Faith-based gatherings will be allowed on Alert Level 3 for 50 or less people.
• All exercise centres will remain closed under Alert level 3.
• Lodges, game reserves, bed and breakfast establishments remain closed except those with tourists and those who provide quarantine and isolation beds and for people who need accommodation for business purposes
• Tourist attraction places remain closed
• Liquor will not be allowed for sale from Friday till Sunday or on public holidays.
• The sale of Tobacco remains prohibited

SOCIAL RELIEF CLUSTER

SOCIAL RELIEF: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL RELIEF: HOMELESS

The number of homeless people houses at shelters in the Garden Route district stands at 296.

SOCIAL RELIEF: SASSA

All SASSA offices in the Garden Route are operational. The public is reminded that Old Age grants will be paid on 3 June 2020 while Child Care grants will be paid on 5 June 2020.

According to SASSA, 6 million applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant have been received to date. The national minister is expected to provide a breakdown of the applications per province on 1 July 2020.

We appeal to those already receiving social grants not to apply as they are not eligible for the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant. It is only meant to benefit persons who are currently not receiving any form of income support from government. An applicant must be a South African Citizen, a permanent resident or refugee who is registered on the Home Affairs system and living within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.

People can apply in one of three ways:

• WhatsApp line: 082 046 8553
• USSD or SMS line: *134*7737#
• Online: srd@sassa.gov.za

The Garden Route District Command Centre have requested feedback about the R350 Covid-19 relief grant breakdown per ward. Once this information is available it will be shared.

EDUCATION CLUSTER

EDUCATION: SCHOOLS

Teachers have already been back at school and nationwide R50 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment have been purchased and supplied to schools around the country. Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners have been actively involved in educating and creating awareness at schools over the past week – view what the GRDM did here.

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND TOURISM CLUSTER

It is important to remember that the more businesses that are able to operate safely during the Alert Level 3, the sooner people can get working again, and the sooner there will be a  move towards an economic recovery in the Garden Route and the Western Cape.

R7 million of business relief funding have been approved for the Garden Route District through Business Partners (Johan Rupert funding), 267 jobs were saved. The Command Centre has requested confirmation in writing as well as break-up per municipal area.

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) approvals on the debt relief funds in the Garden Route and Central Karoo stands at R 4 373 391.77 with 16 SMMEs benefiting to date.

Successful applicants:

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND TOURISM: GARDEN ROUTE FILM OFFICE

The Garden Route International Film Festivals (previously Knysna Film Festival) aim to launch drive-in cinemas in 8 towns by the end of Sept/beginning of October 2020. LED offices at municipalities have been requested to assist with identifying and securing locations.

For any questions on implementing safety guidelines in the workplace, businesses can email WESGRO: supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za

IMPORTANT TOOLS FOR BUSINESSES

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

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

IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

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

For employers

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

 For employees

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

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE FIVE GOLDEN RULES OF KEEPING SAFE 

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

Media Release: Seventh week of community screening and testing

For Immediate Release
29 May 2020

Community health workers across the Garden Route District have screened 92 441 people and referred 486 for testing as of 28 May 2020.

‘We would like to express our utmost appreciation and thanks to our health teams who have done great work under very challenging conditions to serve our communities by screening and educating as many people as possible,’ said District Manager, Mr Zee Brickles.

 Community screening and testing (CST) is in its seventh week and health teams have been to the most vulnerable communities. During the CST, the support of the community is essential for the success in stopping the spread of the virus.

‘We would like to thank our communities for allowing our health care workers to screen them. We remind our communities to adhere to our 5 golden rules of good hygiene as we move towards  the expected peak.  Please continue to support each other as this pandemic affects us all,’  said Brickles.

5 Golden Rules of Good Hygiene:

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
2. Keep surfaces clean.
3. Do not touch your face.
4. Cough and sneeze into your bent elbow.
5. Keep 1,5 m away from people and wear a mask when in public.

When facing a threat on a global scale, such as Covid-19, it is normal to feel anxious, scared, confused, and overwhelmed. Even more so with the overload of information available and our numbers of positive cases increasing in the Province. However, by limiting your exposure to other people, you can protect your family and yourself.  It is important that we stand together and that we support each other, especially our neighbours and friends who have tested positive for Covid-19. Anyone can be infected with Covid-19 and anyone can carry the virus, even without showing symptoms. The Coronavirus does not discriminate between age, gender, race, or disability. People who are especially vulnerable are those with underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, TB, and HIV.  We should not stigmatise people who have tested positive. We must offer our support. Although you should avoid physical contact, you can support them by messaging or calling to ask how they are doing. As they and the rest of their household will be in isolation, you can offer to help by buying food or medication and dropping it off at their door. Remember, we are in this together and must support each other.

Garden Route screening statistics from 6 April to 28 May 2020

•  Bitou subdistrict: 18 634 people screened and 45 referred for testing
• George subdistrict: 16 769 people screened and 98 referred for testing
• Kannaland subdistrict: 3 039 people screened and 5 referred for testing
• Mossel Bay subdistrict: 15 081 people screened and 177 referred for testing
• Hessequa subdistrict: 18 934 people screened and 131 referred for testing
• Knysna subdistrict: 5 619 people screened and 20 referred for testing
• Oudtshoorn subdistrict: 14 365 people screened and 10 referred for testing

Community Screening and Testing for 1 to 5 June 2020:

 1 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield

• 2 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield
• 3 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield
• 4 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma
• 5 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Pacaltsdorp, Alma

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 044 533 3846

There are a number of factors which have deterred some individuals from wearing masks or from wearing it correctly. Many have embraced the wearing of masks by buying or making their own colourful homemade varieties around their ears, while healthcare workers and other medical responders mainly wear N95 masks. There are, however, two distinct differences between cloth masks and N95 masks. Cloth masks protect people around the wearer, whereas respirator N95 masks protect the wearer from those around him or her.

The main benefit of wearing a mask is that it provides a bit of respiratory protection which can reduce depositing of droplets of the virus on surfaces and to others. Preventing a person from spreading the disease to others is important, because some people do not show any symptoms.

“We now understand that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms and are therefore referred to as asymptomatic, said Gerhard Otto, Head of Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre. He further explains: “Those who eventually develop symptoms are called pre-symptomatic and can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.”

Why should you wear a mask?

The virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity — for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing — even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. This is important to note because one cough can produce up to 3 000 droplets. A recent study showed that humans spray thousands of droplets invisible to the naked eye into the air just by uttering the words “stay healthy”.

Remember wearing a mask is a precaution and courtesy to yourself and those nearby.

The GRDM Command Cenre therefore recommends that members of the public wear cloth face coverings in public settings. Businesses also have the right to prevent members of the public who are not wearing masks from entering their premises.

Keep your masks clean

When combined with proper hand washing and social distancing, masks may help the spread of COVID-19 in a community.

Remember to:

• iron your mask after use or leave it in the sun;
• avoid handling a mask without washing your hands;
• wash your mask daily or after every extended use; and
• wash your mask with a detergent containing bleach or a bleach-like ingredient, dry it, and it is good to go.

Five golden rules of good hygiene

1. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
2. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and safely throw away the tissue
4. Keep 1,5 metres apart from others
5. Stay home if unwell. Contact a hotline or your health worker

Remember just because you can’t see the virus doesn’t mean that it is not there. Always wear your mask when required and badly fitting masks won’t protect you – wear your mask and wear it correctly to stay healthy.

• National hotline: 0800 029 999
• Provincial hotline: 021 928 4102
• National WhatsApp: 0600 123 456

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

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

For Immediate Release
24 May 2020

The Garden Route has recorded three (3) COVID-19 deaths to date. We share our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and keep them in our prayers. Since 17 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 60 new positive COVID-19 cases – a total of 72 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.

HEALTH CLUSTER

The district has seen a sharp increase in the total number of positive COVID-19 cases over the past week. Most of the latest reported cases have been asymptomatic. This is a clear indication that there could be many more people who are already COVID-19 positive, but do not experience any symptoms. Rumours doing the rounds of parts of the Garden Route being identified as a hotspot for the Coronavirus are not true. According to the data provided to the Garden Route District Command Centre, there are only five (5) hotspots in the Western Cape and these fall outside the Garden Route district.

As at 26 May 2020, the stats are:

Most people who contract COVID-19 will not require hospitalisation, which is evidenced by the fact that nearly half the District’s total caseload has now recovered. However, we still need every resident to play their part to reduce infections and more specifically, to protect the vulnerable who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

This requires us to take stock of our behaviour and look at ways in which we can make changes to help flatten the curve and reduce the risk of transmission. Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are over 60 or have an underlying illness. When leaving home, hygiene measures such as washing or sanitising your hands, not touching your face and keeping your distance from other people are highly important. Wear a clean cloth mask should not replace these behaviours but should be used together for maximum effectiveness.

SOCIAL RELIEF CLUSTER

Social Relief Cluster: Department Social Development (DSD)

To date more than 50 000 food parcels have been delivered all over the Western Cape. To date 5 483 food parcels have been approved for people living in the Garden Route.

Social Relief cluster: SASSA

Approximately 4,7 million people all over South Africa have applied for the special R350 relief fund. People between the ages of 18 and 59 are allowed to apply for the grant, while people who are 60 and over need to apply for an Old Age Grant. Those under the age of 18 qualify for a Child Support Grant.

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND TOURISM (BET) CLUSTER

BET: WESGRO

WESGRO has created a digital marketplace link for PPE on the www.supportbusiness.co.za website where businesses can list and sell their products. To date, 20 Garden Route businesses have already signed up.

BET: Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT)

DEDAT is going to procure PPE toolkits for informal traders/small businesses and these kits will include hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, COVID-19 awareness brochures and masks. DEDAT is currently focusing on hotspot management in the metropolitan area but will eventually expand their operations to the Garden Route. The Relief Impact survey closed on 22 May 2020 and results will be made available soon.

BET: Department of Labour

To date nearly R750 million have been paid towards COVID-19. Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme countrywide, has benefited 149 263 workers representing 9 362 employers. Total amount paid out since April 16, 2020 has now topped R14 billion (R14 079 099 409.20). This is over and above ordinary UIF payment benefits which now stand at R1 849 992 773.21.

Given all required information and documentation, the fund is now paying out at best 24 hours after the claim is submitted, at worst 48 hours after claim was submitted.

Important contact details:
• UIF payment follow-ups can be done on toll free number 0800 030 007
• Website: www.uifecc.labour.gov.za/covid19

BET: Department of Agriculture

Disaster Fund
The Disaster Fund application process has been concluded. Vouchers will soon be issued to successful applicants.

Seedling Toolkits
The department is in the process of making available seedling toolkits and will engage with municipalities in this regard. Poverty stricken areas will be the main focus point.

On 29 April 2020, the Government announced the easing of the national lockdown regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These regulations included the shift from lockdown alert level 5 to alert level 4, which allows for physical exercise within a 5-km radius of your home from 06h00 – 09h00.

We plead with the extended George community to honour this regulation and not use the George Campus for recreational or any other purposes so as to ensure the health and safety of those staff and students who are living on campus. The safety of our campus community is of paramount importance in these trying times as we strive to implement all COVID-19 related health and safety measures in line with Government regulations. We are unable to do so when there is ongoing unauthorised access to the campus via alternative entry points.

We trust that George residents are appreciative of these challenges and will seek alternative avenues for their exercise and recreational activities until such time as the pandemic is behind us and national regulations are lifted.

Thank you for your support.

Communication & Marketing
Nelson Mandela University: George Campus