Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Author: Marillia Veldkornet

28 August 2020 Media Release: GRDM Roads official wins battle against COVID-19 after being bedridden in Hospital

GRDM Roads official wins battle against COVID-19 after being bedridden in Hospital

For Immediate Release
28 August 2020

After almost two months of ill health, weakness, oxygen shortage and hospitalisation, Ms Teresa Nortje-Singh, Personal Assistant at the Garden Route District Municipality Roads Department, has finally won her battle against the deadly COVID-19 coronavirus.

Ms Nortje-Singh remembers that soon after she came in close contact with a person at the end of July 2020, she immediately started to feel weak the following day.  She recalled that she could not get herself out of bed the next morning, to get ready for work. She continued working for two more days. “On Thursday morning I started to feel weaker and could not eat, but could consume some soup and medication,” she said.  “Over the next weekend I felt so weak that I slept most of the time to the extent that somebody had to wake me up”.

A week later, Ms Nortje-Singh decided to call her medical doctor, who advised her to be tested for Covid-19.  When the doctor contacted her the same evening with the news that she had contracted the virus, he immediately asked whether she needed assistance with isolation.  She declined as her setup at home was favourable for her to be isolated.

Ms Teresa Nortje-Singh, Personal Assistant at Garden Route District Municipality, won her battle against COVID-19.

Ms Nortje-Singh also recalled how her doctor telephoned her every morning to find out how she felt and whether there were any change in symptoms and he encouraged her to keep herself safe to avoid ending up in an intensive care unit.  During the start of her COVID-19 journey, her mother took care of her, however since her mother is an elder with a comorbidity, she asked her to swop homes with her sister for a while until she has fully recovered. Ms Nortje-Singh also remembers how her sister had to lay on top of her for more than once for her body temperature to increase after experiencing body chills.  She also had body aches, but did not cough. When the doctor contacted her again she started experiencing breathing problems. “When my asthma pump did not help to clear my airways, I started to become anxious,” she said.

On arrival at the Medi-Clinic George, the medical staff on duty immediately attended to her. The doctor sent her for a sonar and only then the damage to her lungs was discovered, with both already partially collapsed. Her kidneys were also damaged.  “I could see the concern in the doctor’s eyes when he told me how severe my condition was”. She furthermore said.  “I also realised how serious my condition was when the two COVID-19 patients who I shared the ward with, were taken to the intensive care unit the same evening”.

“At our ward, medical staff’s main focus was on the recovery of patients while protecting themselves – they took excellent (beyond excellent) care of me in the ward and they constantly asked me how I felt”.

Being discharged from hospital on 6 August 2020 was an emotional experience for Ms Nortje-Singh. “The medical practitioners and care workers of the ward waited for me at the elevator to take me down to the exit. They also helped me into the vehicle and made sure that I was in a comfortable position”.  With a little laugh she added:  “They debated about who will be pushing me to my vehicle. They also thanked me for making them feel good about themselves while in their care”.

Back at home, Ms Nortje-Singh still did not feel well and she thought she still had the virus, but eventually she started to feel better as days went by.  She acknowledged all her family, friends and colleagues who supported her with her COVID-19 journey, who called and messaged her.  Nortje-Singh now uses every opportunity to create awareness about the severity of the disease. I constantly raise the issue when having conversations with people. “They have to know how quickly one can get infected and how sick someone can become”. She emphasised: “I urge every person to adhere to all the safety protocols to protect themselves against this invisible enemy. It is also important that anyone who might contract the virus have to get enough and proper body rest to prevent the virus from leaving any other damages to the body behind. It is also important for others to understand that an infected person always need and appreciate the messages of support when they are in isolation/sick, but I could not always respond to messages or telephone calls as the situation became extremely overwhelming and draining. My body needed all the rest I could get to fully recover,” Ms Nortje-Singh concluded.

The article was written in memory of Ms Nortje-Singh’s colleague, Mr Lemos Soko, who passed away of COVID-19 on 6 August 2020 during the time she was hospitalised.

ENDS

26 August 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders bump up efforts to extinguish peat-wetland fires

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders bump up efforts to extinguish peat-wetland fires

For immediate release
26 August 2020

On 26 June 2020, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services commenced with efforts to finally extinguish peat fires in the Garden Route district. One at the Kamma River in Bonniedale, Mossel Bay and the other at Weyers River in Bergfontein, Albertinia. Peat-wetland fires pose a threat to ecosystems by releasing smoke and heat through soil and vegetation, compromise wetlands.

Mr Deon Stoffels, Station Officer: Fire Safety and Training from GRDM at the peat fire in Bonniedale.

The response from the GRDM Fire & Rescue Service officials was first to assess and demarcate the exact extent of the peat fires. According to Mr Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Station Officer for Fire Safety and Training, smoke was evident on arrival – in small pockets appearing from underground”. This necessitated follow-up site visits on 29 June and 02 July 2020 whereby thermal images were captured with the municipality’s Thermal Imaging Drone to map and confirm the underground fire activity.

The immediate role-players involved in the response and planning were GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, Department Environmental Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), Working for Wetlands, Cape Nature and the respective landowners.

Mr Johan Brand, Station Officer from GRDM Fire and Rescue Services holding one of the tools utilised in the testing and assessment of the sub-surface layers.

The above-mentioned site visits were followed up in middle July for the purpose to capture more thermal imagery to estimate the extent of the spread after two periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. Following the assessment, it was confirmed that the spread of the fire continued.

On the 28 and 29 July 2020, all role-players engaged in on-site visits and the peatland specialist from DEFF, with the assistance of representatives of GRDM Fire & Rescue and Cape Nature, performed assessments and tests. “These were done to determine the full extent of the peat fires, e.g. depth of underground fire activity, condition of the wetland, as well as the environmental and ecological impact of the fire and if continues, the fire activity,” Mr Stoffels, said.  After assessments and tests were completed it was jointly agreed that an Offensive Strategy would be the most practicable approach to deal with the underground and/or peat fires which include;

  • preventing the spread of fire;
  • fighting and extinguishing the fire; and
  • protection of life and property against the fire or other threatening danger:
  • In this case also, the protection of the environment against the fire and other threats.

The strategy will assist in mitigating adverse impacts on the environment, as well as aid in protecting and sustaining the biodiversity of wetlands. Role-players such as GRDM Fire & Rescue, the landowners, Cape Nature, Working for Wetlands, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and Working on Fire were involved from beginning of the process, however the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services and the landowners started with their operations on 19 August 2020 and Cape Nature on 21 August 2020.

According to Dr Nina Viljoen, Manager for Environmental Management as GRDM, peatlands are present in a third of wetlands worldwide, which contribute a range of ecosystem services. The most pronounced services are biodiversity conservation, water quality and climate regulation. The addition of peat to a wetland allows these wetlands to have additional ecosystem services. She added: “The unique properties of peat allow for a variation in the dynamics of the ecosystem services provided.  This makes peatlands a major contributor to wetlands’ increased capacity for climate, water quality and quantity regulation, biodiversity conservation and waste assimilation”.

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by the wildfire. Thermal images captured with the Thermal Imaging Drone of Garden Route District Municipality.

Dr Viljoen further explained: “The destruction of peatlands by means of fires causes a visible and immediate degradation in the integrity of the aquatic ecosystems downstream of peatlands. This causes major changes to change the hydrology of the peatland system, as well as rivers and associated ecosystem health. Compared to global abundance, she said: “Peatlands are an extremely scarce ecosystem type in South Africa, with only 1% of total wetland area being peatlands. It provides water quality (water purification and waste assimilation) function which causes peatlands to demonstrate a very significant ecosystem services value”.

What is peat?

Peat, also known as turf is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding or stagnant water obstructs the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing the rate of decomposition.

Peatlands cover approximately 3% of the earth’s surface. The global carbon stored in peat is estimated to be about 500 billion tonnes, which is approximately 30% of the world’s soil carbon. Furthermore, peat stores 10% of the world’s fresh water”.

Peatlands are more valuable than normal wetlands due to the presence of peat stocks within them. Based on the services evaluated and the available data, the value of the cumulative services provided by South African peatlands was estimated to be as high as R174 billion, expressed as an ecological infrastructure value. It is therefore of the utmost importance to protect these type of wetlands against destruction, and to assess the causes of these two identified peat fires in the Garden Route district.

How do peat fires occur?

Peat fires can occur sporadically in smaller peatland systems due to system dehydration and desiccation brought on by either drought (the presence of a heat source), localised draining or flow interruption by roads – it smoulders. These smouldering fires can burn undetected for very long periods of time (months, years, and even centuries) propagating in a creeping fashion through the underground peat layer.

The current drought in the region and associated peat fires bear testimony to the vulnerability of these ecosystems to the variability in our climate patterns which can result in drought-induced peat fires in the Western Cape.

ENDS

23 August 2020 Update on the Coronavirus

23 August 2020

As of 1pm on 23 August, the Western Cape has 5203 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 102 585 confirmed cases and 93 656 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 102 585
Total recoveries 93 656
Total deaths 3726
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5203
Tests conducted 469 498
Hospitalisations 1032 with 207 in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8971 cases; 8270 recoveries
Southern 9249 cases; 8417 recoveries
Northern 6379 cases; 5948 recoveries
Tygerberg 12897 cases; 11960 recoveries
Eastern 9736 cases; 8943 recoveries
Klipfontein 8888 cases; 8086 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 8250 cases; 7636 recoveries
Khayelitsha 8096 cases; 7565 recoveries
Total 72466 cases; 66825 recoveries

Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 554 cases; 488 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1325 cases; 1164 recoveries
Garden Route George 3224 cases; 2850 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 268 cases; 208 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 99 cases; 72 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 2041 cases; 1735 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 1047 cases; 711 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1972 cases;1830 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4162 cases; 3816 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3206 cases; 2919 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1104 cases; 999 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1485 cases; 1320 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1492 cases; 1431 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 256 cases; 226 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 267 cases; 242 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1126 cases; 1040 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 398 cases; 358 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 154 cases; 137 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 317 cases; 252 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1316 cases; 1208 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1442 cases; 1291 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 467 cases; 337 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 122 cases; 65 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 15 cases; 10 recoveries

Unallocated: 2260 (2122 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

*Due to the unavailability of data yesterday- the deaths being reported today are for a 48 hour period.

Over the past 48 hours, the Western Cape has recorded an additional 18 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3726. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

✅Hospitalisations and deaths continue to show a decline in the Western Cape:
I am pleased to note that hospitalisations in the province continue to show a decline. The total number hospitalised for COVID-19 is now below the 1100 mark, while our ICU admissions are very close to the 200 mark. Another positive sign is that the number of deaths recorded in the province continues to track downwards- with just 18 deaths recorded over a two day period. While every death we record is still one too many, it is heartening to see the numbers showing a steady decline.

The Western Cape Department of Health has been working hard to ensure that the data we present to the public is as accurate as possible. As part of this process, we have been working closely with the NHLS, and from time to time, we will adjust data as new information comes to light. Today, we have removed some duplicated cases which were incorrectly added into the system last week, resulting in the number of new cases recorded since Friday appearing lower than usual.

Despite this adjustment, all of our reliable indicators, such as our hospital and death data, continue to indicate that we are continuing to make progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

For this, I would like to thank every single resident who has played their part in helping to slow the spread. Each time you leave home with your mask on, keep your distance from others and wash or sanitize your hands, you are helping to reduce the number of new infections and save lives.

This weekend was the first weekend under the new alert level 2 restrictions and as more of our businesses start to open up, as people start to move around more, see their families and interact with others more, it remains important that we all continue to take precautions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

If we all continue to act responsibly, we can ensure that businesses can continue trading safely, and that we are able to save important jobs. Many people have been severely impacted by the hard lockdown and our focus must now be on addressing unemployment, hunger and poverty while reducing the numbers of new COVID-19 infections in our province.

22 August 2020 Update on the Coronavirus Statistics – Technical Issues

22 August 2020

*Due to a technical issue with our data feed from the NHLS, our daily statistical update has been delayed. We are working to resolve the issue and will update the dashboard and the stats as soon as the correct data is available.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Hospitalisations:
A total of 1061 people are currently hospitalised in the province, with 220 of these in ICU or high care.

Yesterday, we closed the Hospital of Hope at the CTICC but this does not mark the end of our fight against COVID-19. We must all continue to play our part in ensuring that we are able to slow the spread of the virus.

As the virus is likely to still be with us for many more months, our colleagues in the Department of Health are also ensuring that we can continue to provide the appropriate level of care to those who may still need it. In the metro region, the Brackengate temporary field hospital is now the primary Hospital of Hope- providing 338 beds. The Freesia ward in Mitchell’s Plain, sponsored by the Gift of the Givers will also provide an additional 60 dedicated COVID-19 beds. This is a legacy project, which will allow us to use this resource beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two other legacy projects have also been completed in our rural areas- the Sonstraal Hospital in Paarl will provide 63 beds, while in Vredendal, staff identified and transformed an unused boiler room at the Vredendal Hospital into a COVID-19 ward.

Previously used as a store room, the hospital management, staff and maintenance team set to work. preparing the space so that contractors could start the alterations.The space will now function as a COVID-19 ward, but in the future, will provide additional capacity at the hospital.

Healthcare workers who were stationed at the CTICC will now return to the healthcare facilities they were seconded from, or be re-deployed at other healthcare facilities across the province. Equipment purchased for use at the CTICC will also be used elsewhere across the province, boosting the resources available in the healthcare system.

Issued: Premier Alan Winde

Reference: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/update-coronavirus-premier-alan-winde-22-august

21 August 2020 Media Release: Update on the Coronavirus

Media Release: Update on the Coronavirus

For Immediate Release
21 August 2020

As of 1pm on 21 August, the Western Cape has 5331 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 102 422 confirmed cases and 93 383 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 102 422
Total recoveries 93 383
Total deaths 3708
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5331
Tests conducted 463977
Hospitalisations 1090 with 218 in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8913 cases; 8197 recoveries
Southern 9229 cases; 8317 recoveries
Northern 6321 cases; 5863 recoveries
Tygerberg 12784 cases; 11830 recoveries
Eastern 9662 cases; 8862 recoveries
Klipfontein 8865 cases; 8057 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 8176 cases; 7537 recoveries
Khayelitsha 8068 cases; 7538 recoveries
Total 72018 cases; 66201 recoveries

Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 547 cases; 471 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1304 cases; 1141 recoveries
Garden Route George 3188 cases; 2813 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 264 cases; 204 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 99 cases; 70 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 2018 cases; 1692 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 996 cases; 693 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1955 cases; 1807 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4140 cases; 3803 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3159 cases; 2881 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1083 cases; 991 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1463 cases; 1307 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1482 cases; 1419 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 253 cases; 223 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 261 cases; 242 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1120 cases; 1034 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 395 cases; 357 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 151 cases; 133 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 303 cases; 240 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1302 cases; 1196 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1419 cases; 1273 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 435 cases; 325 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 120 cases; 59 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 13 cases; 10 recoveries

Unallocated: 2934 (2798 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 26 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3708 . We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

✅A note on today’s new cases:

Today’s new case statistics appear to have shown a bigger increase than usual. These are not all new or active cases. The Western Cape Department of Health has implemented changes to its data system which has resulted in some older cases, which had not originally been detected, now being accounted for. This is all part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the data that we share is as accurate as possible.

✅Closure of the Hospital of Hope:

This afternoon, we officially closed the Hospital of Hope at the CTICC. This 862 bed hospital has provided care to over 1500 people since it opened in June-allowing us to provide dignified care to all who needed it at the peak of the pandemic in the Western Cape.

The Hospital of Hope has certainly lived up to its name- with many inspirational stories of healing. Among its patients who were discharged were a 104 year old, a 93 year old and an 88 year old. More than 1400 families have had their loved ones recover and go home.

When we were planning our provincial response to the pandemic, I was clear that I did not want to run out of beds. Providing dignified healthcare to everyone who needed it was our number one aim.

What the Hospital of Hope provided went far beyond that. The hospital was staffed by dedicated, phenomenal people who have touched the lives of every single person they helped. They worked long hours, endured difficult circumstances, made personal sacrifices and they did it while putting themselves at risk of becoming sick themselves. And yet, through it all, every patient was treated with care and respect.

Sadly, 82 people died at the facility and we send our condolences to their families and loved ones. Losing a loved one is never easy, but under COVID-19 circumstances, it is even harder. Today, we heard stories of how patients were treated with the utmost love and care by our healthcare workers, who supported them even in their final moments.

The CTICC has always played a special role in Cape Town- hosting Presidents, international delegates and captains of industry. It has been a site of celebration, bringing people together for weddings and festivals. And now, its history will also include a hospital that was built in four weeks. It may only have operated for a matter of weeks, but it has saved hundreds of lives.

Today, I want to thank every single person who has been involved in the making of history: the healthcare workers at the front line, the Western Cape Department of Health management team and the team from the Department of Transport and Public Works. I would also like to convey a special thank you to the CTICC, who responded to the call and allowed us the use of the space.

At today’s closing ceremony, Head of the Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete spoke of how the hospital had shown us the best of humanity, and what healthcare in the future could be.

Around the world, this pandemic has created extreme suffering and deep pain for many but at the same time, it has provided us with moments of hope, kindness and love. It has prompted a global outpouring of generosity and support. The Hospital of Hope will always be a symbol of all the goodness we have seen during this time.

The Brackengate temporary hospital will now be the primary Hospital of Hope- providing the same level of care to those who still need it while we continue to work to slow the spread of COVID-19. It will be supported by a number of smaller facilities and dedicated wards in both the metro and in the rural areas.

Caption: Premier Alan Winde, Keith Cloete (HOD Health), Theodore Abrahams (CTICC facility manager) and Harry Malila (Western Cape Government DG) wheel bed number 862, the final bed number in the Hospital of Hope, out of the ward.

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.”

Ms Magdalene Moos admits that a garden is a long-term solution for an effective and sustainable food security project. Photo: Supplied

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”.

Mr Jaco Matthee (left) and Mr Johnny Baartman (community leader – right) while preparing to distribute hampers in Bridgton, Oudtshoorn.

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.

Ms Phumeza Ndukwana from Kwanokuthula and her team prepare food to feed more than 150 persons a day, 4 times per week. Photo: Supplied

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