Author: Marillia Veldkornet
20 August 2020 Update on the Coronavirus
20 August 2020
As of 1pm on 20 August, the Western Cape has 5249 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of confirmed 101 823 cases and 92 892 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 101 823
Total recoveries 92 892
Total deaths 3682
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5249
Tests conducted 461093
Hospitalisations 1120 with 218 in ICU or high care
Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8666 cases; 7970 recoveries
Southern 8998 cases; 8121 recoveries
Northern 6033 cases; 5601 recoveries
Tygerberg 12535 cases; 11649 recoveries
Eastern 9374 cases; 8647 recoveries
Klipfontein 8736 cases; 7942 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 8036 cases; 7399 recoveries
Khayelitsha 7970 cases; 7444 recoveries
Total 70348 cases; 64773 recoveries
Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 533 cases; 460 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1288 cases; 1113 recoveries
Garden Route George 3139 cases; 2774 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 258 cases; 204 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 99 cases; 70 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1936 cases; 1608 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 947 cases; 658 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1939 cases; 1790 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4098 cases; 3786 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3108 cases; 2833 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1068 cases; 983 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1449 cases; 1295 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1444 cases; 1386 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 244 cases; 216 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 257 cases; 238 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1091 cases; 1009 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 384 cases; 350 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 143 cases; 129 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 284 cases; 231 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1245 cases; 1151 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1374 cases; 1227 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 413 cases; 321 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 117 cases; 49 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 13 cases; 9 recoveries
Unallocated: 4604 (4229 recovered)
Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 17 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3682 . We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.
✅Working to balance the re-opening of the economy with slowing the spread:
Earlier today, I held a digicon in which I detailed how the Western Cape will now apply the same focus to the second pandemic of unemployment, poverty and hunger, as we have for our COVID-19 response. We also provided an update on the health systems in the province.
The digicon can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/windealan/videos/2632540806994477/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
The statement released earlier today, can be accessed here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/media-release-premier-alan-winde-his-weekly-digital-press-conference-20-august
19 August 2020 Update on the Coronavirus
19 August 2020
As of 1pm on 19 August, the Western Cape has 5345 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of confirmed 101 433 cases and 92 423 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 101 433
Total recoveries 92 423
Total deaths 3665
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5345
Tests conducted 460139
Hospitalisations 1126 with 224 in ICU or high care
Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8638 cases; 7921 recoveries
Southern 8970 cases; 8070 recoveries
Northern 6018 cases; 5578 recoveries
Tygerberg 12500 cases; 11602 recoveries
Eastern 9331 cases; 8596 recoveries
Klipfontein 8721 cases; 7911 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 8018 cases; 7369 recoveries
Khayelitsha 7962 cases; 7430 recoveries
Total 70158 cases; 64477 recoveries
Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 532 cases; 452 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1284 cases; 1092 recoveries
Garden Route George 3124 cases; 2735 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 255 cases; 201 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 99 cases; 70 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1901 cases; 1578 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 923 cases; 620 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1934 cases; 1783 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4087 cases; 3765 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3095 cases; 2819 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1065 cases; 981 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1441 cases; 1284 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1440 cases; 1380 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 243 cases; 213 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 257 cases; 238 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1085 cases; 1003 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 383 cases; 349 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 143 cases; 126 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 282 cases; 228 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1243 cases; 1146 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1366 cases; 1212 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 401 cases; 312 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 112 cases; 43 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 13 cases; 8 recoveries
Unallocated: 4567 (4308 recovered)
Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 24 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3665. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.
✅World Humanitarian Day:
Today we mark World Humanitarian Day and this year, the focus is on aid workers on the front lines.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the sheer heroism of our healthcare workers on the frontlines around the world and right here at home in the Western Cape. Today, we thank every single one of the people who have kept our health system running, who have put themselves at risk and who have saved lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has also created a massive and urgent need for humanitarian aid and we have seen civil society, the private sector, NGOs, farmers, and individuals all come together to provide meals, food and support to hundreds of thousands of people who have been impacted by job losses and the inability to work and earn a living. Today, we also honour and thank those people who have recognised the significant need that exists and have stepped in to assist.
Having put all the systems necessary to overcome the peak of infections in place, the Western Cape Government is now putting the same focus onto unemployment so that we can address the humanitarian crisis which is emerging across the country.
Earlier today, I had the opportunity to visit a few small coffee businesses in the Cape Town CBD and to chat about business. Most said that they were starting to see business improve, but as I walked just a few blocks of the CBD, I was confronted by numerous closed doors and “to let” signs in the windows. Each closed door and “to let” sign in the window means that at least one job or income has been lost, and our focus now must be on saving jobs and strengthening the economy to support new ones.
The move to alert level 2 will be an important first step, allowing many businesses in some of our key job creating sectors to resume trade. This must be done with all of the necessary safety precautions in place, because we must continue our efforts to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
Your support of small and local businesses will help them to survive and can make the difference in saving someone’s job. I encourage everyone to, wherever possible, support local and small businesses.
Businesses can access the detailed COVID-19 guidelines here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/files/atoms/files/Preventing%20and%20managing%20coronavirus%20infection%20in%20the%20workplace%20-%206%20May%202020.pdf
19 August 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality acknowledges local humanitarians on World Humanitarian Day
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality acknowledges local humanitarians on World Humanitarian Day
For Immediate Release
19 August 2020
World Humanitarian Day is held every year on 19 August to acknowledge aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to come together and provide support to people affected by crises around the world.
This year, World Humanitarian Day comes as the world continues to recover from COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations (South Africa) aid workers are overcoming unprecedented access obstacles to assist people in humanitarian crises around the world.
Providing the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affects the livelihoods of people throughout the globe, the Garden Route District Municipality acknowledges that fighting the spread of the virus is not possible without the help of heroes. These heroes either provide healthcare to infected patients, provide meals and/or essentials to the vulnerable. These role players include:
- medical staff;
- non-governmental organisations;
- faith-based organisations;
- private sector;
- environmental health practitioners;
- government organisations; and
- the media who creates awareness of the dangers and risks of the COVID-19 virus within our communities, to name a few.
Food security heroes in the Garden Route
One such hero is Ms Magdalene Moos from Concordia (part of the Knysna Municipal area), who operates as one of 64 soup kitchens that, with the help of donors, reach out to the vulnerable members of society in her area of service. Ms Moos went as far as to create her own vegetable garden to ensure the sustainability of the initiative. She said: “We reached a point where we now feed a total of 1500 persons per week and the highest number of persons reached so far were 401 per day. Meals are also directly delivered to the elderly in the area to spare them the inconvenience of waiting in queues”. She also emphasised: “We cannot only feed kids and the elderly; we feed any person that reach our doorstep who needs a meal. “None of this is possible without donations that we continuously receive from donators such as Ms Sharon Dreyer, Ms Sam Loerie, Mr Johan Gerber and the Knysna Rotary Club, as well as Maxwell 20, an organisation who donates nutritious porridge that we serve to the kids on a daily basis.”
In the Klein-Karoo is Mr Jaco Matthee, a community volunteer who runs his own soup kitchen and delivers food hampers to vulnerable residents of the Oudtshoorn area. With this initiative he reaches residents of Bridgton and also donates food hampers to the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (FAMSA) organisation in the area with donations received from Cape Karoo International. Mr Matthee said: “With this initiative we are able to provide soup to 400 persons per week and donate food hampers to 10 households per week”. Adding to this, he said: “Not all of us are in a position to provide for our families during this difficult time. There are many people struggling to make ends meet, but we must start within our immediate surroundings; starting with our neighbours. “If we all contribute to others, we can make our society a better place,” he said. Working in the hospitality industry, Mr Matthee said, “it is important that we help our communities, as it is these communities that keep our businesses open with their support, therefore it is important that business plough back to them”.
In the area of Bitou, the Sinethemba Soup Kitchen is also an unsung hero for the residents of Kwanokuthula, where they feed 150 residents from phases 3, 4 and 5 of Ward 6 per day. Ms Phumeza Ndukwana, said: “We are a team of five who work full-time to ensure that vulnerable members of our community are fed for 4 days per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays)”. She added: “People arrive at our facility in numbers which is an indication that our communities are struggling”. The soup kitchen provides meals to children and adults, including elderly and those with disabilities. They ensure that all safety protocols are adhered to when serving their community. “One must have the passion for the community to be in this position and not expect something in return; however we need people that are reliable to make sure that the service is running effectively,” she concluded. Ms Ndukwana also gave recognition to Ms Shirley Redman from Bitou who continuously donates various food products, vegetables and other essentials to ensure that they continue to help the needy of Kwanokuthula.
All these efforts and initiatives, despite the odds, make a difference in the lives of many. It is due to this that the country has lost less lives than predicted. While honouring these heroes, the GRDM also pays tribute to the lives of all health workers and other essentials workers who have lost their lives while rendering an essential service during these pressing times. May each soul rest in peace.
ENDS
18 August 2020 Update on the Coronavirus
18 August 2020
As of 1pm on 18 August, the Western Cape has 5678 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of confirmed 101 196 cases and 91 877 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 101 196
Total recoveries 91 877
Total deaths 3641
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5678
Tests conducted 457113
Hospitalisations 1154 with 234 in ICU or high care
Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8616 cases; 7879 recoveries
Southern 8943 cases; 8024 recoveries
Northern 6003 cases; 5545 recoveries
Tygerberg 12465 cases; 11537 recoveries
Eastern 9308 cases; 8559 recoveries
Klipfontein 8702 cases; 7882 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 7992 cases; 7340 recoveries
Khayelitsha 7949 cases; 7415 recoveries
Total 69978 cases; 64181 recoveries
Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 528 cases; 446 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1272 casds; 1076 recoveries
Garden Route George 3111 cases; 2677 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 252 cases; 195 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 98 cases; 64 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1890 cases; 1539 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 900 cases; 603 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1931 cases; 1773 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4075 cases; 3742 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3084 cases; 2793 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1060 cases; 979 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1436 cases; 1270 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1428 cases; 1366 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 242 cases; 210 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 255 cases; 236 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1080 cases; 993 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 383 cases; 345 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 143 cases; 124 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 283 cases; 224 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1237 cases; 1139 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1367 cases; 1199 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 394 cases; 297 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 109 cases; 41 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 13 cases; 8 recoveries
Unallocated: 4647 (4357 recovered)
Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 48 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3641. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.
Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020
Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020
The Cape Town Weather office has issued the following severe weather alerts:
Hazard 1: High Seas
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 23h00
High seas with wave heights between 6-7m are expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay today (18/08/2020).
Hazard 2: Heavy rain
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00
Heavy rain is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).
Hazard 3: Flooding
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00
Flooding is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).
Descriptions: Snow
Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.
Precautions: Snow
If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Flooding / Heavy Rain
Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.
Precautions: Flooding / Heavy Rain
If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Storm surges
Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.
Precautions: Storm surges
All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.
If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Storm surges / High Seas
Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.
In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.
Precautions: Storm surges / High Seas
Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.
Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.
Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.
Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.
If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
17 August 2020 Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde
- As of 1pm on 17 August, the Western Cape has 6336 active cases of COVID-19, with a
total of 100 778 confirmed cases and 90 869 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 100 778
Total recoveries 90869
Total deaths 3573
Total active cases (currently infected
patients) 6336
Tests conducted 454104
Hospitalisations 1115 with 242 in ICU or high care
Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 8507 7824
Southern 8840 7952
Northern 5935 5495
Tygerberg 12360 11415
Eastern 9213 8456
Klipfontein 8640 7836
Mitchells Plain 7952 7272
Khayelitsha 7922 7388
Total 69369 63638
Sub-districts:
District Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 515 431
Garden Route Knysna 1243 1040
Garden Route George 3066 2624
Garden Route Hessequa 237 185
Garden Route Kannaland 87 57
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1814 1466
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 834 539
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1913 1754
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4032 3719
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3050 2745
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1054 961
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1417 1249
Overberg Overstrand 1422 1349
Overberg Cape Agulhas 239 204
Overberg Swellendam 254 235
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1066 974
West Coast Bergrivier 379 339
West Coast Cederberg 140 120
West Coast Matzikama 270 218
West Coast Saldanha Bay
Municipality 1223 1122
West Coast Swartland 1347 1166
Central Karoo Beaufort West 379 287
Central Karoo Laingsburg 96 34
Central Karoo Prince Albert 11 5
Unallocated: 5321 (4408 recovered)
Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied
for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide
regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be
allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and
verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the
correct areas.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 13 deaths, bringing the total number of
COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3573. We send our condolences to their
family and friends at this time.
Alert level 2:
The new, alert level 2 restrictions will come into effect at midnight. These relaxed
restrictions are the first step in restarting our economy, saving jobs and addressing the
deepening humanitarian, and food security issues in the province that have emerged
since the lockdown began.
As we all work to rebuild the economy, I encourage everyone to support local and
small businesses in our communities wherever possible. Small businesses are importantcontributors to job creation, and supporting them during this difficult time will go a long way towards ensuring that they are able to recover and grow.
I also encourage those who can afford to do so, to support local restaurants and
tourism establishments who employ large numbers of people.
Along with the re-opening of most sectors of the economy, we will also see the lifting of
the ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes.
The Western Cape wine and hospitality
industries are significant contributors to job creation in the Western Cape, especially in
our rural areas. Domestic wine sales represent more than half of the province’s sales
and the resumption of sales is an important first step in saving jobs and developing the
industry.
At the same time, I must appeal to residents of the Western Cape to drink alcohol
responsibly and to comply with the regulations around sales that are in place. In the
past, we have also seen residents queuing to purchase alcohol after the lifting of
prohibitions, and it is imperative that if you are buying alcohol, or visiting a bar or tavern
that you ensure that you are wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and keeping
up good hygiene practices like hand-washing.
We also appeal to retailers and businesses which will be allowed to operate under level
2, to ensure that they have all their safety protocols in place to protect staff and
customers.
Scaling up healthcare services:
The Western Cape saw a significant reduction in people accessing certain healthcare
services during as a result of COVID-19. Having overcome the peak in most parts of our
province, the Department of Health is now focusing on scaling up other healthcare
services. These services will be phased in, and the Department will use a risk and
impact-based approach to determine exactly how this will be done.
When comparing April 2020 to April 2019 we see:
• 68% less people visiting primary health care facilities in the Metro and 37% in
rural
• A 51% reduction in elective surgical procedures in the Metro and 42% in rural
• A 48% reduction in emergency visits in the Metro and 40% in rural
• 46% less outpatient visits in the Metro and 52% less in rural
We have also seen a reduction in essential and basic primary healthcare services
including a 22% reduction in immunisations, and a 36% reduction in screening for TB. We
have also seen reductions in the uptake of services such as chronic disease
management for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as for the
management of TB and HIV, and child and women’s health. These services will be
scaled up in our healthcare facilities, but we will also be making use of our community
healthcare workers, to visit patients in their homes and communities and who will be
able to screen for COVID-19 at the same time.
A systematic scale up of elective surgeries is also being planned.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on our healthcare systems, but it
has also seen us devise new ways of providing healthcare services in innovative, and
patient- centric ways. It is important that while we continue to minimise the spread of
COVID-19 and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones,
that we continue to provide other necessary healthcare services and protect the
general health of our residents.
If you are concerned about your health, or the health of your children, have a chronic
condition or have defaulted on management of HIV or TB, we encourage you to
contact your medical provider, or your regular healthcare facility for advice on how
best to access your regular treatment or care.
17 August 2020 Severe Weather Alerts: Damaging wind, storm surges, heavy rain, high seas, snow and flooding
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:
Hazard 1: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 11h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 19h00
Warning: A gale force westerly to north-westerly wind (62-80km/h) is expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from early afternoon, becoming south-westerly and spreading to Plettenberg Bay from late afternoon including the coastal towns along the south-west and south coasts, easing from the west tomorrow (17-18/08/2020). Advisory: Strong winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Central Karoo and Cape Winelands (W-Cape) today (17/08/2020).
Hazard 2: Storm surges
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 23h00
Storm surges expected between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday (18/08/2020).
Hazard 3: Heavy rain
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 15h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 07h00
Heavy rain expected over the Garden Route district, southern parts of Cape Winelands and Overberg areas (W-Cape) from this afternoon into early tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).
Hazard 4: Flooding
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 15h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 08h00
Flooding is expected over Cape Metropole, Overberg and Garden Route districts (W-Cape) tonight into tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).
Hazard 5: Snow
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 10h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 11h00
Disruptive snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts (W-Cape) overnight into tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).
Hazard 6: High Seas
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 16h00
High seas of 6-9m are expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas tomorrow (17/08/2020) evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay and Cape Columbine from early Tuesday morning, subsiding west of Cape Agulhas from Tuesday afternoon.
Hazard 7: High Seas
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 16h00
High seas with wave heights of 6-7m are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas this evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay from early tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020), subsiding west of Cape Agulhas from tomorrow afternoon.
PRECAUTIONS: SNOW
If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Contact the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.
11 August 2020 Media Release: WC MEC of Transport and Public Works commends the Garden Route for COVID-19 compliance
Media Release: WC MEC of Transport and Public Works commends the Garden Route for COVID-19 compliance
For immediate release
11 August 2020
This past long weekend, the Western Cape (WC) MEC for Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, visited the Garden Route district to inspect the compliance of the Transport industry to the COVID-19 regulations.
The purpose of the visit was also for the MEC to meet with transport stakeholders and to open a regional government vehicle pool facility in George. Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen accompanied MEC Madikizela during his visit.
The inspections commenced on Friday, 7 August 2020 in Bitou at the taxi rank with the monitoring of taxis during peak hour. Inspections were put on halt when MEC and Executive Mayor were alerted about a crime scene in George the same evening where a Provincial Traffic Officer was injured in a shooting incident. After visiting the scene, both delegates visited the Traffic Officer’s family to assure them that the perpetrator would face the full might of the law.
The next day, inspections continued in Knysna where the delegation took part in a road block to monitor whether vehicles complied with the maximum occupancy of 70% per vehicle. The Knysna taxi rank also received a visit where after the MEC engaged in discussions with representatives and the leadership of the local Taxi Association.
The visit to George was conducted in the same format as the visits of Bitou and Knysna, however the GO George bus services was prioritised given the vast number of passengers making use of the service. During his engagements, MEC Madikizela specifically focused on the issues experienced by the bus services and whether those issues were resolved. MEC Madikizela, on Monday, 10 August, concluded his George visit when he officially opened the Regional Vehicle Pool facility in the presence of Mayor Booysen and the George Executive Mayor, Cllr Leon van Wyk, as well as councilors, officials and stakeholders of the Transport industry.
MEC Madizikela ended his programme in Mossel Bay the next day when he monitored the taxi rank as well as the Louise-Fourie Corridor in the area. He commended the district for adhering to the regulations and although the curb in terms of new COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape flattened, he said: “We are now targeting certain areas which are concerning and this is one of those areas”. He added: “With the behavior and adherence to the regulations in the Garden Route district, it is very pleasing”.
Mayor Booysen praised the Garden Routers for adhering to the protocols and regulations and said: “We are highly impressed in terms of how the transport industry and people abide to the regulations. Taxis are being decontaminated before and after trips, hand sanitizers are applied and a ‘no-mask-no-entry’ principle applies. It was indeed an impressive visit”.
Feature Photo: During the visit to the family of the Traffic Officer who was shot and injured in George, were (fltr) Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of GRDM; Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Charlotte Clarke and Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public Works, Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela, with family members of the officer.
ENDS