Author: Marlene Nqumse

13 June 2020

As of 1pm on 13 June, the Western Cape has 11415 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 39159 confirmed cases and 26736 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 4246 (1758).

More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 42 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 966. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Recoveries:

The Western Cape has now recorded over 26 000 recoveries, representing a total of 68% of all cases registered to date. In the Tygerberg sub-district which has the highest number of infections in the province, 75% of all cases have recovered so far, and in Khayelitsha which has the second highest number of infections, the recovery rate stands at 79%

Many people who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and most will recover without any need for hospitalisation. But this does not mean that we should be any less careful- as you could experience mild symptoms, but you could also pass on the virus to your parents or grandparents, or someone in one of the high risk groups.

People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract COVID-19. Those most at risk include those who are:

• Individuals with comorbidities, at any age
• 55 years an older, with or without co-morbidities

The overwhelming majority of COVID-19 positive people who have died in the province have had one or more comorbidities.  Co-morbidity is the presence of one or more additional diseases or conditions occurring with a primary medical condition. The most prevalent comorbidities in deaths due to COVID-19 across all age groups in the Western Cape are diabetes and hypertension.

Other common comorbidities also include HIV, kidney, lung and heart disease.

Deaths:

Today, we have also sadly surpassed the 1000 deaths mark. Each of these people is mourned by loved ones who miss them terribly. They have all played a role in our society- the numbers include essential workers like healthcare workers and law enforcement officers, people who worked hard everyday to provide for their families, parents, grandparents, and people who were part of our communities. We send our deepest condolences to all of those who have lost a loved one to COVID-19.

We know that many more people will become sick and we will lose more lives but we must all do everything we can to ensure that we slow the spread of the virus. We all need to make the golden rules of infection prevention a part of our daily lives. We should all still be staying at home as much as possible, washing our hands regularly and cleaning surfaces like counter tops, desks and door handles at home and at work. When you do leave home, ensure that you are wearing a clean cloth mask and keep that 1.5 metre distance between you and any other person when you’re standing in queues, waiting for the bus or you’re in any area where people are congregating.

For those who fall into the vulnerable groups, it’s important that you continue to take additional steps to protect yourself by staying at home, and being vigilant about hand-washing and hygiene.

These steps can help us all to save lives.

11 June 2020

At today’s weekly digital press conference, I was joined by Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, the Head of Department of Education in the Western Cape, Brian Schreuder, the Head of the Western Cape Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, and Chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association, Professor Mignon McCulloch, to provide the public with an update on the safe re-opening of schools in this province.

I fully understand that parents are worried about the Covid-19 pandemic and how the re-opening of schools might impact their child’s well-being. As a parent myself, I know that our number one priority is always the safety of our children.

Medical evidence to support re-opening schools:

That is why as a provincial government, working in cooperation with the National Department of Basic Education, we have followed top medical advice in supporting the decision to re-open schools safely in this province.

The South African Paediatric Association has supported the staggered re-opening schools based on medical evidence:

“Children biologically contain SARS-CoV-2 better than adults, are less likely to get sick if infected, have milder disease, are unlikely to die from Covid-19, and are probably less infectious than adults.”

Professor Mignon McCulloch, who joined the press conference, is the Head of Paediatrics at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. She also serves on the Executive Council of the International Paediatric Nephology Association and is President of the International Paediatric Transplant Association.

Professor McCulloch added: “Considering that children are at lower risk of acquiring and transmitting SARS-CoV-2, as a group of paediatricians advocating on behalf of our patients, we are of the opinion that the benefits (educational, mental & psychological health, food security and safety) of getting most children back to school exceeds that of keeping them at home.  Provided the precautions of face masks, hand-sanitising, environmental cleaning and physical distancing are adhered to, we support the staggered approach of getting children back to school. Where cases of infection do arise, these should be managed on a case by case basis. However, we respect the autonomy of well-informed parents and caregivers to decide what is in the best interests of their children.”

According to data provided by the Western Cape Department of Health, as of 5 June 2020, there had been a total of 1787 cases of Covid-19 in people under the age of 20. This represents roughly 6% of all cases at the time.

The age-groups can be broken down as follows:

Of these 1787 Covid-19 infections, 5 children unfortunately died. This accounts for 0,3% of all confirmed cases of those infected under the age or 20 and they are often linked to serious comorbidities (underlying health conditions).

Every single death in this province is a death too many, and I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of these children.

The data, however, does show that children are at a significantly lower risk than adults. In fact, those at highest risk are residents over the age off 55 and those with underlying health conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension.

Not re-opening schools will hurt our poorest residents the most

There has not been enough discussion about the negative impact on the well-being of our learners of keeping schools closed.

Minister Schäfer said: “Extended school closures do not affect all learners equally, owing to unequal access to home learning support and the internet. Learners in poorer communities are reliant on in-class teaching to receive their education, and the longer schools are closed, the more they are disadvantaged. The gap will only grow between those learners who cannot access education via digital alternatives at home (in our poorer communities in the main), and those who can and do.”

In addition, children who rely on the National School Nutrition Programme lose access to this nutrition during extended school closures. This can negatively impact their health.

Through emergency funding, the Western Cape Department of Education provided over 1,2 million meals during the lockdown period. This will continue to be sustained through the normal school feeding programme now that schools have re-opened again.

Ensuring that schools re-open safely:

The reality is that the virus is going to be around with us for some time, possibly another year at least.

We must adjust to the “new normal” of Covid-19, by making sure that we re-open our schools in a way that reduces the risk and ensures the safety of our learners and staff.

It is for this reason that the Western Cape Education Department has spent R280 million on masks and cleaning materials thus far.

This includes:

• 2.4 million masks (2 per learner and staff member)
• Over 7 000 non-contact digital thermometers
• Millions of litres of hand sanitiser, liquid soap, disinfectant and bleach

The Department has also adopted clear guidelines for the management of cases at schools.

Minister Schäfer said: “Whenever a staff member or learner who has been present at a school is confirmed as positive for Covid-19, the affected areas at the school will be decontaminated. Learners and staff members will not be present when the affected areas are decontaminated.  The school will re-open once the certificate of decontamination is received from the service provider.”

In terms of these guidelines:

• Those who have been in close contact (e.g. handshake or hug) with a confirmed positive case (whether at school or outside school) are required to self-isolate for 14 days from their last contact with the individual.
• Those not in close contact do not have to self-isolate. Those who are casual contacts must however be monitored for symptoms.
• If there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 then the school is required to contact the district for assistance in terms of decontamination.
• The need to close a class, part of school, or school will be assessed on a case by case basis, in line with Dept of Health Guidelines.
• The decision to close a school is only taken by the HOD, and parents and staff will always be informed of cases in a school.

Working with learners to ensure a safe re-opening

In addition to masks, and good hygiene, every single person entering a school in the Western Cape will be screened. A dedicated screening app has been produced for this purpose.

Furthermore, learners and staff will undertake an orientation programme, which includes:

• Why and how to wear a mask
• Important hygiene procedures
• The screening process
• New classroom etiquette and behaviour
• New physical distancing measures
• Important contact information
• How to identify symptoms of Covid-19
• What to do when someone has Covid-19

Those learners that have comorbidities will be supported by the department for home-schooling, and parents will be required to collect the material from their schools.

The Department will make public more information on home-schooling once national directives are announced this week.

We also want to appeal to the public for their understanding and co-operation in ensuring that no external people go onto school premises, unless absolutely necessary.  The virus spreads through people, so the more we can limit additional people on school premises, the better.

Following the golden rules

To all our teachers, support and admin staff, and parents: I thank you so much for everything you are doing to ensure our learners get the best education possible during this challenging time. You are all heroes.

Your courage is needed for our young residents, who will look to you during this uncertain time for strength and guidance.

I also remind you that the most important thing we can all do during this pandemic is to follow the golden rules, which include:

• Keep your hands clean, washing them regularly with soap and water (or to use hand-sanitiser)
• Keep your distance from other people (at least 1.5 metres)
• Sneeze into a tissue or the corner of your arm
• Wear a clean cloth mask properly
• Stay home if you are sick, and first call the hotline for advice on what to do next (021 928 4102)

11 June 2020

As of 1pm on 11 June, the Western Cape has 11 696 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 36 673  confirmed cases and 24 040 recoveries.

The Western Cape Government has experienced delays in receiving some of its data today and we are investigating some issues on our live dashboard. We are working to resolve these issues urgently and once resolved,  we will update the data for the sub-districts.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 36 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 927. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Digitial Press Conference on Schools Re-opening:

At today’s weekly digital press conference, I was joined by Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, the Head of Department of Education in the Western Cape, Brian Schreuder, the Head of the Western Cape Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, and Chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association, Professor Mignon McCulloch, to provide the public with an update on the safe re-opening of schools in this province.

You can view the full-statement released at the press conference here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/re-opening-schools-western-cape-safely-best-interests-our-learners

10 June 2020

COVID-19: Western Cape Provincial Overview 10

Municipalities in the Western Cape continue to provide ongoing support to their communities as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect citizens across the province.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, says municipalities have been providing basic services throughout the entire lockdown period.

“Tackling Covid-19 has seen the coming together of all sectors including the state, the private sector and NGOs in ongoing efforts to assist our people. Municipalities across the province have been feeding their vulnerable communities throughout the entire lockdown period and this continues. Councils have been passing their budgets for the new financial year that started on 1 June. We have seen many changes to proposed budgets to better provide for ongoing Covid-19 challenges. This is necessary to ensure we can best ensure our communities are looked after. I want to commend our councils for the hard work they have been putting in.”

Updates from some municipalities across the province includes:

• The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has secured the services of 490 Expanded Public Works employees to help drive COVID-19 education and awareness initiatives in the city. The City’s Urban Management Directorate has reprioritised and set aside R12 million from its 2019/2020 budget for immediate social humanitarian relief in vulnerable wards in the city.
• Overstrand Municipality is offering hotels, guest houses, Bed & Breakfasts and self-catering properties some relief for the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on tourism during the national lockdown. The Residential rates tariff will be applied instead of the Business rates tariff.
• In the Swartland municipal area, approximately 77 feeding schemes continues to provide meals to the vulnerable.
• Theewaterskloof Municipality – Indigent subsidies that expired during lockdown will be extended until the end of the current financial year. Subsidy beneficiaries do not have to visit the office to re-apply at this moment. Residents who are unemployed and struggling to pay for municipal rates and services and who qualify in terms of the Indigent Policy are encouraged to apply for the Indigent Subsidy.
• In Stellenbosch, ongoing community screening and testing for Covid-19 is progressing well. Soup kitchens and food distribution to vulnerable communities through the Stellenbosch Unite partnership continues. The temporary homeless shelter remains in operation with approximately 60 people in the facility.
• The Executive Mayor and Councillors of Drakenstein Municipality, as well as the City Manager and all municipal officials will not receive salary increases in the 2020/2021 financial year. In addition, the Municipality has aimed to keep the new financial year municipal tariff increases as low as possible. This is in response to the financial challenges faced by the Drakenstein community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Prince Albert Municipality has encouraged households earning below R3700 per month to apply for an indigent subsidy at the municipality.
• In support of a project coordinated by the Department of Local Government, West Coast District Municipality is funding and assisting local municipalities with the transportation of tons of donated citrus fruit from a farm outside Stellenbosch. The fruit will assist municipalities in the West Coast region with their various ongoing humanitarian and social relief initiatives.

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

“In addition, if you have flu-like symptoms, and may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, please contact the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what to do next.”

 ENDS.

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile: 084 583 1670 / E-mail: James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER AND JAMES VOS

Date: 10 June 2019

Release: immediately

Cape Town International Airport open for business travel

Today (10 June 2020), Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, and City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos, visited Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) to assess the steps taken by airport management to re-open the airport, and ensure the safety of those working at the airport, as well as the business professionals traveling on the flights that have resumed this week.

With the move to Alert Level 3 on the 1 June 2020 allowing business travellers to take to the skies once more, it is important that everyone adheres to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 while travelling.

CTIA General Manager, Deon Cloete, led a tour of the airport highlighting the important steps taken to ensure operational readiness. During the tour it was particularly highlighted that the security points are traditionally high touch points, and with this in mind, to protect passengers and airport staff, there is a concerted drive to limit contact with the passenger. As a result, passengers are requested to:

• Scan their own boarding passes
• Place all of their loose items in their hand luggage
• Re-enter the queue should they trigger the metal detector
• Only laptops will be allowed in trays

Minister David Maynier, thanked CTIA management for their efforts to ensure operational readiness: “It is great to know that CTIA is ready to welcome businesses travellers to Cape Town and the Western Cape. For now, and perhaps for some time, flight travel will be different to what we’ve become accustomed to as we implement safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. There is no doubt that the pandemic will have a severe impact on businesses and the jobs, and so it is critical that where we can continue open the economy safely, even in a limited way, everyone sticks to the rules so that we can save businesses and save jobs in the Western Cape.”

Alderman James Vos said, “Today’s visit solidifies the confidence we have in the CTIA team to ensure that travellers arrive at their destinations safely. As a City, we are ready to continue our partnership with CTIA to position Cape Town, as a destination of choice when all forms of travel is allowed to resume. I was impressed with their presentations demonstrating the readiness of the airport and can confidently say Cape Town is ready to welcome visitors to Mothers City. The City’s Enterprise and Investment Department, together with our official Destination Marketing Organisation, Cape Town Tourism, developed plans to secure a sustainable future for the tourism sector. The aviation economy is a crucial driver of growth in Cape Town’s economic recovery plan as connectivity forms part of my departmental strategy to connect Cape Town with key destinations in Africa and globally. Central to these plans is our world-class airport to bring back our tourists and to take our local goods across the world. There is no doubt that the effect of the pandemic will fundamentally alter the aviation landscape and require new business models to restore confidence in airlines as well as the aviation sector’s financial viability.”

Deon Cloete said, “As part of the easing of restrictions, Cape Town International Airport will play an important role in re-building the travel and tourism economy. It will take a huge effort from everyone, on and off airport to get things going. We recognise the importance of regaining passenger trust by protecting their health and wellness, and that of our staff and all visitors to the airport. We are going to be relying on passengers to comply and to support the new rules.

While limited air travel will be permitted, with restrictions on the number of flights per day the increase in economic activity in sectors that are permitted to resume operations is welcomed. At this stage, no scheduled international commercial flights will be processed, however we will continue to process international repatriation flights. While we do not anticipate large volumes at this stage, an easy start up allows us to test our new ways of working.”

For those wanting to travel for business it is important that you have the necessary permission to travel, before even buying a ticket. Business travellers will need to carry a letter on company letterhead, signed by a manager, as well as a completed employer permit form. Any traveller who fails to produce the required documents will not be permitted to fly.

Travellers should also arrive at airports at least two hours in advance to familiarise themselves with the new safety procedures, for example at some airports access points and terminal entrance points may be reduced. Health and safety measures such as temperature screening may also impact on check-in and boarding time. And of course, a mask must be worn at all times.

To view this statement online please visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/cape-town-international-airport-open-business-travel

• For broadcasters, please find soundbyte from Minister Maynier attached.

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

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

Tel: 021 483 4327 / Cell: 071 087 5150 / Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

10 June 2020

As of 1pm on 10 June, the Western Cape has 12 526 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 36 279 confirmed cases and 22 862 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 3620 (1125 recovered)

More data, including updated suburb level data as at June 1, is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 40 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 891. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Co-operation with the Eastern Cape:

The Western Cape has drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding travel for funerals and the transportation of bodies between the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape. The MoU has been submitted to the Eastern Cape for approval and signature.

Last month, I had a meeting with the Premier of the Eastern Cape, members of our cabinets, National Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Police Minister Bheki Cele to discuss COVID-19 related issues impacting both of our provinces with travel between the two provinces for funerals being one of the focus areas.

At that meeting, we agreed to draw up a series of protocols around funerals and movement between provinces which are now contained in the draft MoU. This includes details on the preparation of bodies for travel and the permits required to travel for a funeral as suggested in the national regulations.

The draft MoU indicates that those traveling between the two provinces may be subjected to a medical examination, or placed into a medical, quarantine and isolation facility should this be deemed necessary.

This document has been drawn up in the spirit of co-operative governance which is enshrined in the Constitution and the document commits both provinces to working together and supporting one another.

Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell says the Provincial Governments of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape have the common goal of combating and preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

“To successfully combat this virus, all organs of the state must take seriously the principles of co-operative government and inter-governmental relations. We must do what we can to mitigate, combat and prevent any transmission of COVID-19 inter-provincially. This document shows that we are proactive and serious when it comes to looking out for the best interests of the people in both provinces,” Minister Bredell said.

The Western Cape has already drawn up protocols for the management of increased COVID-19 deaths, both in the province and in cases where travel between provinces will be required.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world and it was important to us here in the Western Cape that people be allowed to grieve and bury their loved ones, in line with their religious and cultural practices, while at the same time minimising the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

We have consulted widely in this regard, with nearly 50 organisations representing various religious, traditional and cultural groupings. These include the National House of Traditional Leaders, traditional leaders in the Western Cape, organisations representing indigenous people in the province as well as organisations representing the major faith groups including the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Christian faiths.

National regulations around the size of funerals, certain burial practices and who may attend are already in place and are not superseded by the Western Cape protocols.

9 June 2020

As of 1pm on 9 June, the Western Cape has 12 250 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 33 892 confirmed cases and 20791 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 2322 (599 recovered)

More data, including updated suburb level data as at June 1, is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 53 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 851. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time.

​Alcohol related trauma:

A number of our hospitals have seen a significant spike in trauma cases linked to alcohol use since the sale of alcohol was unbanned on 1 June. This is extremely concerning to us as the healthcare system is already under pressure as a result of COVID-19. Since yesterday there have been numerous rumours that alcohol will be banned again. The Western Cape has not made any announcements to this effect, and we have not received any indication from the national government that this is planned. However, I want to be very clear with the people of the Western Cape: alcohol abuse is taking away hospital beds and care from people who need them during this very serious pandemic.

Your grandmother, brother or sister could become ill with COVID-19 and require a hospital bed.

Every single one of us has a role to play in making sure our healthcare system has the capacity to respond – please drink responsibly and play your part. If this doesn’t happen, we will have no choice but to explore alternative steps to ensure that this happens.

Groote Schuur testing and triage centre:

Another of the Western Cape Government’s testing and triage centres was opened at Groote Schuur today. This site, one of 18 in the first phase, will provide a dedicated space to screen, triage and test patients presenting to Groote Schuur.

These centres help to ease the pressure on our hospital emergency care centres, while also separating testing and triaging from the rest of the hospital patients.

The province has now also begun phase two of this project, which will create 14 new temporary testing and triage sites in the metro, and an additional 20 in our non-metro areas.