20 July 2020

As of 1 pm on 20 July, the Western Cape has 13 352 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of  84 340 confirmed cases and 68334 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 6097( 4965 recovered)

Data note:  As we move closer to the peak,  it is not 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 38 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 2654. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Brackengate accepts first patients:

Our Brackengate temporary hospital accepted its first patients today, making it the province’s third field hospital to open. Ten people were admitted to the 338 bed facility this afternoon, with the first patients receiving a heartwarming welcome and round of applause from the hospital team at the door.

This facility, like the CTICC Hospital of Hope, provides intermediate care to patients who require hospitalisation and oxygen, but who are not critical. The facility is equipped with oxygen at each bed, and a further eight beds fitted for high flow nasal oxygen. It is also paperless and has wifi connectivity so patients can connect to their loved ones at home.

We wish all of those who enter through its doors well as they recover. We also extend our thanks to the many people including Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo and Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela, to the officials and the healthcare workers who have ensured that we have been able to provide healthcare services to the people of the Western Cape, with just a short time to prepare.

Comorbidities:

The Department of Health in the province has conducted another comprehensive analysis of the comorbidities associated with COVID-19 related deaths in the province.

Diabetes and hypertension remain the leading comorbidities in the 2181deaths in people over the age of 20 in the Western Cape as at July 8. Diabetes was a comorbidity in 1042 of these deaths, and hypertension in 1086 deaths.

In almost a quarter of these deaths (513), patients had three or more comorbidities.

The data also reveals the following other comorbidities:

• 68 (cardio vascular disease)
• 277 (chronic pulmonary disease)
• 35 (cancer)
• 274 (HIV)
• 66 (TB current)
• 233 (TB previously)
• 99 (other comorbidities)

*Numbers will not add up several people had more than one comorbidity

When looking at the age breakdowns, the greatest number of deaths were recorded in people over the age of 50.

Of the 2181 deaths:

-673 were over 70 years of age

-573 were aged between 60 and 69

-512 were between the ages of 50 to 59.

These numbers show that it is vitally important that anyone who falls into these risk groups take every precaution to protect themselves.

This means staying at home as much as possible, and ensuring that if you are on any medication, that you continue to take this. Always wear a mask outside of your home, practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching surfaces or your face.

If you do fall into one of these risk groups and you are experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, cough, or loss of taste and smell, it is best to get tested early, to ensure that you receive the appropriate care early on.

And while the risk of death is lower for younger people and those without comorbidities, anyone who falls into these groups can still become ill, or infect someone who has a much higher risk profile.

Each death we record in this province is one too many. We must avoid seeing these deaths only as statistics. Each of these lives had value, these are people who had families and loved ones, aspirations, stories to share and lessons to teach. We must acknowledge their humanity and ensure that we do everything in our power to protect others and save lives.

Acts of human kindness:

I would like to acknowledge the staff at Helderberg Hospital for going beyond the call of duty and helping to make the birthday of a COVID-19 patient special. Being in hospital at this time can be a very lonely experience as visitors aren’t allowed, but Mrs Wilhelmina Williams, still got to celebrate her 65^th birthday with cake and balloons last week thanks to the kindness of some healthcare workers.

I would also like to wish Mrs Williams a belated happy birthday and a speedy recovery.

Over the past week, I have joined forces with the Maskathon challenge to collect mask donations for Mandela Day. I am pleased to say that we have managed to collect pledges for over 23 500 masks. Some people have supported local mask makers, others have made cash donations while others have lovingly handcrafted masks. I would like to thank all of those businesses and individuals who have answered the call to donate, and help to make a difference in our communities. Anyone still wishing to donate can do so by going to https://maskathon.co.za/masksformadiba/.

16 July 2020

As of 1pm on 16 July, the Western Cape has 14 241 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 82 264 confirmed cases and 65 530 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 7405 (5293 recovered)

Data note:  As the province moves closer to the peak and the Department of Health is recording over 1000 new cases daily, it is not possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new 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 38 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 2493. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Earlier today, I held a digicon in which we detailed the work that we have done in the province to provide medical care to those affected by COVID-19, and the specific risks to diabetic patients. More information can be found in the press statement here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/statement-premier-alan-winde-weekly-digital-press-conference-16-july

16 July 2020

“We are noticing a gentle easing of pressure in the Metro, but continued vigilance is essential”

The Western Cape Government understands that the hard lockdown was an important intervention to slow the spread of the virus and therefore to buy the time needed to prepare our health system for the peak of infections that were to come.

This was essential so that every single person receives the medical care that is needed, when it is needed. Our teams therefore worked around the clock to ensure that we have enough staff, supplies and additional temporary care facilities (or ‘field hospitals”) available to provide this care.

They have faced, and continue to face, enormous pressures. This is an unprecedented crisis, that has pushed our systems, finances and capacity.

I know it has not been easy for our frontline staff, be it nurses, teachers or police officers. I therefore want to thank all the officials, across our government departments, for their hard-work and dedication displayed during this challenging time.

I also want to say a big thank you to every single resident, wherever you are, for playing the most important “lead” role in our Covid-19 response.

I know that millions of people across our province are following the golden rules, wearing a mask, washing their hands, and keeping a safe distance. Yes, there are still some who are not – but the overwhelming majority of people are playing their part. Thank you for leading from the front and being role models for other members of our community to follow.

Early indication of pressure easing, but we cannot let our foot off the pedal

From the first digital press conference, that I hosted months ago, I set out that our response to Covid-19 would be evidence based and data-led. We would follow the best scientific advice in making projections on what was needed from our health platform, so that we were as prepared as possible.

We have done this to the best of our ability – planning for the very worst, but always intervening to get the best possible outcome. This has happened in the context of inevitable uncertainties, as our scientists learn about the virus and how it impacts our communities.

We have thus far undertaken an early provisioning scenario, and two additional calibrations with the National Covid-19 Modelling Consortium. We are now working towards a third calibration with this grouping, using the latest available data as we seek to continuously re-assess our projections and provisioning scenarios. We will make this public when it is received.

However, I can reveal that we are starting to see a gentle easing of pressure in the Metro in particular, with a possible decline. This is noticed in the most robust data available to us: hospitalisations and deaths.

But let me be crystal clear: it is simply too early to say the worst is over. We simply do not know enough about the virus to claim so. We are still in the midst of a serious health pandemic.

So, if anything, we must be even more vigilant and alert than before so that we can continue to flatten the curve and save lives in the Western Cape.

Our health platform is managing

The Western Cape Department of Health manages its health platform in an integrated manner, allowing us to closely monitor capacity at any given point. This allows patients to be moved between different facilities, if capacity is reached.

We note the following observations regarding Covid-19 in the Western Cape:

• The hospital admissions for Covid-19 have stabilised over the last 10 days, across public and private hospitals.
• The critical care bed occupancy rate reached a daily maximum of 320 patients. It is currently at 270-280 patients.
• Total Covid-19 admissions reached a daily maximum of 1900 patients, and now currently stands at 1600-1700 patients.

In the Cape Metropole, the most populous district in the Western Cape and which accounts for the sub-districts with the most infections, our acute care hospital capacity, including all patients (Covid-19 and non Covid-19) is as follows:

This means our acute care capacity has not yet exceeded 70%.

Our intermediate care facilities or “field hospitals” have provided an enormous support in alleviating this pressure:

• The Hospital of Hope has admitted 1069 patients over time, as of 14 July 2020, and has discharged 751 people since opening.
• The Thusong Centre in Khayelitsha has admitted 198 patients and discharged a total of 138 patients so far.
• The 330-bed Brackengate Field Hospital is set to come online on 20^th July.
• The Sonstraal Hospital, which will have a total capacity of 150 beds, is expecting the first 63 beds online soon.
• Additional beds will be provided in Hermanus (32 beds), Vredendal (20 beds) and George (20 beds).

We also continue to open new testing and triage centres at health facilities across the Western Cape:

• We have 19 such facilities operational
• Construction is completed at an additional 7 facilities, and they will become operational soon
• Testing and triage centres are under construction at 15 facilities

To ensure that we can provide the best possible care to our residents when they need it, we have also made sure that we have the right supplies available in our facilities:

• We had a significant platform of medical equipment assets available prior to the pandemic, including 324 ICU ventilators, and 94 transport ventilators
• 25 additional ventilators have been added to our health platform
• A decision support tool was developed to optimally manage key processes (needs assessment, procurement and allocation) on an ongoing basis
• Approximately R250 million has been invested in health technology to strengthen our response. This ensures our health facilities can provide different levels of care and helping ensure effective screening, testing/diagnosis, referral and treatment of Covid-19 patients
• We have thus far employed 620 people at our field hospitals
• We have piloted a National Track and Trace system, and look forward to the launch of it by the National Government
• We have finalised key agreements with private sector, to access their services should the need arise
• We have ensured adequate supplies of oxygen to our facilities, and currently utilising 60% of our total capacity.
• We have made use of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Devices at our facilities, which has proven to an effective, life-saving support intervention for Covid-19 patients.

The Western Cape to start process of scaling up non-Covid health services from 1 August 2020

Our Department of Health will now be working on plans to scale-up non-Covid health services and responses, which has been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

This includes:

• Scaling up chronic disease management (Diabetes, Hypertension), HIV and TB management, and Child and Women’s health services. This is done via Community Health Workers and primary care services.
• The systematic re-introduction and scaling up of elective surgery, over the next 8 months, considering the Covid reality over the next 12-18 months.
• The recovery of the health care delivery system to reach pre-Covid levels of performance.

Diabetics at high risk of severe illness, must present for testing as soon as any symptoms develop

I was very pleased to welcome endocrinologist, Associate Professor Joel Dave, to today’s digital press conference. He discussed his research on the impact of Covid-19 on diabetic patients. This is something very close to my heart because I am type 2 diabetic.

The research found that while diabetics are not at higher risk of contracting the virus, they are at higher risk of developing a severe illness from Covid-19. That is why the Western Cape Government’s Department of Health has developed a specific action plan on diabetes.

A key pillar of this action plan is that diabetic residents who develop Covid-19 symptoms must get tested immediately. We are also making some space in our intermediate care facilities available for diabetic residents who get ill with Covid-19.  The clinical outcomes for those who are identified early are much better than those who wait until they are severely ill.

My message to our diabetic residents today, as a fellow diabetic, is to please take every precaution possible to protect yourself. And if you do start developing any symptoms to urgently get tested for Covid-19. We have the healthcare available to support you, please make use of it. Also remember to take your medication and to live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet. This makes a major difference.

The virus is going to be with us for some time, so behaviour change is our best long-term defence

The Western Cape Government has been engaging with behavioural science experts on how best to get the behaviour change needed in our communities.

The reality is that the virus is going to be with us for some time and we need every single person to play their part in keeping themselves and their families safe in the months ahead. If we don’t do this, we could risk new outbreaks emerging.

I want to make an important point here: behaviour change is not easy. We are asking residents to act in ways that are not normal in our cultures and communities. This will require lots of innovation by government, and this is a challenge we are taking seriously.

I want every resident in our province to know that I am extremely grateful for the changes you have made in your lives already. I know it has not been easy. I want you to share the same gratitude and praise with fellow members of the community when you see them wear a mask or follow the other golden rules.

This praise, I believe, will be more effective in creating role models and encouraging emulation than scolding. So always be kind and say thank you to someone when they act in a way that keeps you and your family safe.  Let’s create a movement of behaviour change in our communities in this way, with care and in the spirit of solidarity.

[ENDS]

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 15 July 2020

Release: immediately

Tourism Product Development Fund launched

We are excited to announce the launch of the Tourism Product Development Fund which commits a total of R5 million to support new or existing tourism products and experiences in the Western Cape.

The Tourism Product Development Fund is one of the many ways we are working hard to support the tourism sector, which has been hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and is facing significant job losses in the Western Cape.

Innovation and adaptability through product and market diversification is more important now than ever as tourism businesses and destinations try to build resilience during these tough times, and prepare new products for visitors to enjoy when we are ready to open again in the Western Cape.

Offering travellers tourism experiences that differentiate the Western Cape from other destinations will be important to our economic recovery and how we will market our tourism offering both domestically and internationally.

And so, the Tourism Product Development Fund aims to support those products and experiences that are most unique, such as cultural and heritage experiences or hyperlocal food and dining attractions that can only be experienced in the Western Cape.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy and employment in the Western Cape. Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis in the Western Cape, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and I have been engaging actively with the tourism industry to understand the impact of Covid-19 and to work with them to prepare the industry to be able to open safely and responsibly.

I would like to encourage all interested tourism businesses and organisations to apply. We look forward to receiving your submissions.

For more information on the Tourism Product Development Fund please visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/tourism-product-development-fund

The closing date for submissions is Friday, 14 August 2020 at 16:00.

Notes for media:
Please find soundbyte from Minister David Maynier attached.

To read the statement online visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/tourism-product-development-fund-launched

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

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

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

DO NOT LEASE OR SELL YOUR STATE SUBSIDISED HOME

15 July 2020

I am deeply concerned at the increased reports from various stakeholders about residents who have received a fully subsidized home from Government, who have either rented or sold the property. This information tells us that there was never a need for a home, which means Government is being defrauded.

In fact, I regard the action of anyone that embarks on this route as unethical, as they’re denying one of the almost 600-thousand people that are currently on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database (HDD), a housing opportunity, and their families who in the future could benefit from this asset.

A fully subsidized house costs the state close to R500 000.

Between May and the end of June 2020, we’ve received 11 official complaints about houses in Forest Village, Delft, Blue Downs, Eersteriver, Langeberg Municipality and Beaufort West Municipality either being rented or which might have been sold. In one report, a couple in Forest Village is being accused of currently renting two properties. This excludes the informal reports that’s being highlighted on social media.

The law is clear that every South African citizen who receives a government housing subsidy when buying or receiving a property, will be subject to a pre-emptive condition in their Title Deed, meaning the individual cannot sell the property within the prescribed 8 -years of receiving the subsidized house, unless it has received permission from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements to do so.

For the sale to occur, the beneficiary needs to submit an application to the Provincial Department to have the pre-emptive clause waived and removed from the title deed.

It is further critical to note that the property can be sold when:

• Beneficiaries, who wish to improve their dwellings, need to apply for funding at a financial institution, and need to register a mortgage bond over the property.
• Beneficiaries need to relocate (proof will be requested) to a better area or another city/town.
• Loss of employment, they often take up employment in locations that make daily commuting impossible and the only alternative is to relocate permanently to the new place of employment.
• Beneficiaries find themselves and their family’s victims of crime.

It is further important to note that Approval will be on condition that:

• The purchaser is a SA citizen;
• The purchaser is competent to contract;
• The purchaser does not own and has never owned fixed property before;
• The seller lived on the property for at least 2 years after the effective date of sale
• The seller must be improving on his/her current living standards, or prove that it is a matter of extreme detriment to the applicant, if not approved
• The municipality supports the sale if the property is being sold within the first 5 years of the effective date of sale.

My department is currently investigating all the reports and pursuant to the conclusion of the investigation the necessary and relevant action will be taken. I’ve also requested a legal opinion on the steps that can specifically be instituted against those who are renting their properties.

We will not hesitate to act against those who have defrauded the State in this manner. I’d like to call on all state beneficiaries not to be tempted to engage in this unethical and quite frankly illegal practices, particularly since the state has ensured that your housing need, which you declared is being met.

I also encourage those who are aware of a beneficiary that’s involved in these practices to formally inform the Department so that an investigation can be launched.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720 / Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

14 July 2020

As of 1pm on 14 July, the Western Cape has 15 160 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 79 332 confirmed cases and 61 756 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 6777 (4500 recovered)

Data note:  As the province moves closer to the peak and the Department of Health is recording over 1000 new cases daily, it is not possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new 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 49 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 2416. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Health update:

I have been following the advice of my doctor and have been resting at home as much as possible. I am feeling significantly better today, and both my blood sugar levels and my temperature are down. I am still isolating at home and taking all the necessary precautions because I fall into a high risk group.

It is incredibly important that if you are a diabetic, you take all measures possible to protect yourself from contracting COVID-19. The most effective way to do this is to stay home as much as possible, and to ensure that you take extra care when leaving home- including regular hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing.

If you are diabetic, it is important that you continue to take your medication, as diabetics who do not have their blood glucose controlled are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill.

If you experience symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, cough and loss of smell or taste , it is important that you get tested. If you develop a tight chest or struggle to breathe, seek medical attention.

Oxygen supply:

The Western Cape is currently using approximately 29 tonnes of medical grade oxygen in our facilities daily, with the biggest consumption occurring at Tygerberg and Groote Schuur hospitals. We are currently using approximately 60 percent of the available oxygen supply, so have sufficient supply margins available in the province.

Before the start of the pandemic, the Western Cape and the City of Cape Town put measures in place to ensure that the facility where medical grade oxygen is manufactured in the province is not impacted by loadshedding. It is especially important during this pandemic to ensure that production interruptions do not occur.