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

*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

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

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

18 August 2020

As of 1pm on 18 August, the Western Cape has 5678 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of confirmed 101 196 cases and 91 877 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 101 196
Total recoveries 91 877
Total deaths 3641
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5678
Tests conducted 457113
Hospitalisations 1154 with 234 in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Western 8616 cases; 7879 recoveries
Southern 8943 cases; 8024 recoveries
Northern 6003 cases; 5545 recoveries
Tygerberg 12465 cases; 11537 recoveries
Eastern 9308 cases; 8559 recoveries
Klipfontein 8702 cases; 7882 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 7992 cases; 7340 recoveries
Khayelitsha 7949 cases; 7415 recoveries
Total 69978 cases; 64181 recoveries

Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 528 cases; 446 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 1272 casds; 1076 recoveries
Garden Route George 3111 cases; 2677 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 252 cases; 195 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 98 cases; 64 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1890 cases; 1539 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 900 cases; 603 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1931 cases; 1773 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4075 cases; 3742 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3084 cases; 2793 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1060 cases; 979 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1436 cases; 1270 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1428 cases; 1366 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 242 cases; 210 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 255 cases; 236 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1080 cases; 993 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 383 cases; 345 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 143 cases; 124 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 283 cases; 224 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1237 cases; 1139 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 1367 cases; 1199 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 394 cases; 297 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 109 cases; 41 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 13 cases; 8 recoveries

Unallocated: 4647 (4357 recovered)

Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.

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

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 48 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3641. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

• As of 1pm on 17 August, the Western Cape has 6336 active cases of COVID-19, with a
  total of 100 778 confirmed cases and 90 869 recoveries.
  Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 100 778
  Total recoveries 90869
  Total deaths 3573
  Total active cases (currently infected
  patients) 6336
  Tests conducted 454104
  Hospitalisations 1115 with 242 in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:
Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 8507 7824
Southern 8840 7952
Northern 5935 5495
Tygerberg 12360 11415
Eastern 9213 8456
Klipfontein 8640 7836
Mitchells Plain 7952 7272
Khayelitsha 7922 7388
Total 69369 63638
Sub-districts:
District Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 515 431
Garden Route Knysna 1243 1040
Garden Route George 3066 2624
Garden Route Hessequa 237 185
Garden Route Kannaland 87 57
Garden Route Mossel Bay 1814 1466

Garden Route Oudsthoorn 834 539
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1913 1754
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 4032 3719
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 3050 2745
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1054 961
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1417 1249
Overberg Overstrand 1422 1349
Overberg Cape Agulhas 239 204
Overberg Swellendam 254 235
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1066 974
West Coast Bergrivier 379 339
West Coast Cederberg 140 120
West Coast Matzikama 270 218
West Coast Saldanha Bay
Municipality 1223 1122
West Coast Swartland 1347 1166
Central Karoo Beaufort West 379 287
Central Karoo Laingsburg 96 34
Central Karoo Prince Albert 11 5
Unallocated: 5321 (4408 recovered)
Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied
for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide
regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be
allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and
verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the
correct areas.

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

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 13 deaths, bringing the total number of
COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3573. We send our condolences to their
family and friends at this time.

Alert level 2:

The new, alert level 2 restrictions will come into effect at midnight. These relaxed
restrictions are the first step in restarting our economy, saving jobs and addressing the
deepening humanitarian, and food security issues in the province that have emerged
since the lockdown began.
As we all work to rebuild the economy, I encourage everyone to support local and
small businesses in our communities wherever possible. Small businesses are importantcontributors to job creation, and supporting them during this difficult time will go a long way towards ensuring that they are able to recover and grow.
I also encourage those who can afford to do so, to support local restaurants and
tourism establishments who employ large numbers of people.

Along with the re-opening of most sectors of the economy, we will also see the lifting of
the ban on the sale of alcohol and cigarettes.

The Western Cape wine and hospitality
industries are significant contributors to job creation in the Western Cape, especially in
our rural areas. Domestic wine sales represent more than half of the province’s sales
and the resumption of sales is an important first step in saving jobs and developing the
industry.

At the same time, I must appeal to residents of the Western Cape to drink alcohol
responsibly and to comply with the regulations around sales that are in place. In the
past, we have also seen residents queuing to purchase alcohol after the lifting of
prohibitions, and it is imperative that if you are buying alcohol, or visiting a bar or tavern
that you ensure that you are wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and keeping
up good hygiene practices like hand-washing.
We also appeal to retailers and businesses which will be allowed to operate under level
2, to ensure that they have all their safety protocols in place to protect staff and
customers.
Scaling up healthcare services:
The Western Cape saw a significant reduction in people accessing certain healthcare
services during as a result of COVID-19. Having overcome the peak in most parts of our
province, the Department of Health is now focusing on scaling up other healthcare
services. These services will be phased in, and the Department will use a risk and
impact-based approach to determine exactly how this will be done.
When comparing April 2020 to April 2019 we see:
• 68% less people visiting primary health care facilities in the Metro and 37% in
rural
• A 51% reduction in elective surgical procedures in the Metro and 42% in rural
• A 48% reduction in emergency visits in the Metro and 40% in rural
• 46% less outpatient visits in the Metro and 52% less in rural
We have also seen a reduction in essential and basic primary healthcare services
including a 22% reduction in immunisations, and a 36% reduction in screening for TB. We
have also seen reductions in the uptake of services such as chronic disease
management for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as for the
management of TB and HIV, and child and women’s health. These services will be
scaled up in our healthcare facilities, but we will also be making use of our community
healthcare workers, to visit patients in their homes and communities and who will be
able to screen for COVID-19 at the same time.

A systematic scale up of elective surgeries is also being planned.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put significant pressure on our healthcare systems, but it
has also seen us devise new ways of providing healthcare services in innovative, and
patient- centric ways. It is important that while we continue to minimise the spread of
COVID-19 and take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones,
that we continue to provide other necessary healthcare services and protect the
general health of our residents.

If you are concerned about your health, or the health of your children, have a chronic
condition or have defaulted on management of HIV or TB, we encourage you to
contact your medical provider, or your regular healthcare facility for advice on how
best to access your regular treatment or care.

16 August 2020

As of 1 pm on 16 August, the Western Cape has 6336 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 100 778 confirmed cases and 90 869 recoveries.

Cape Metro Sub-districts:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 5321 (4408 recovered)

Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.

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

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 13 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3573. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

CTICC Hospital of Hope enters its last week:

Over the coming week, the Western Cape Department of Health will be closing the Hospital of Hope at the CTICC. This field hospital has provided treatment and care to over 1500 COVID-19 positive patients since it opened in June.  Of these, over 1400 have got well enough to be discharged home, and sadly, 82 have died.

This intermediate hospital played an invaluable role at the peak of our curve in ensuring that our acute hospitals were not overwhelmed, and we were able to provide the appropriate level of care for those who needed it.

The Department of Health in the Western Cape has also used the hospital in recent weeks as part of its Diabetic strategy- admitting the highest risk diabetic patients for care. This has helped to protect the most vulnerable groups and to save lives.

The transfer of the remaining patients is underway, with the last patient date set for Wednesday. The Brackengate temporary hospital, which has capacity for 338 patients, including 8 high flow nasal oxygen beds will continue to operate in the metro. The Gift of the Givers donated 60 bed Freesia ward at Mitchells Plain hospital will also provide a dedicated COVID-19 ward in the metro. In the province’s rural areas, we will have additional beds at the 63 bed Sonstraal facility, and 32 beds in Hermanus, 20 in Vredendal and an additional 20 in George.

Many stories of recovery have emerged from the CTICC and from hospitals across the province in recent months, providing hope and positivity during this difficult time. We thank the patients who have put their trust in us, the healthcare workers who have been the province’s heroes and the many partners, like the CTICC, the MSF and the Gift of the Givers who have worked with us to save thousands of lives.

While the closure of two field hospitals is positive news for the province, we must all work hard to ensure that we continue to slow and contain the spread of the virus. Over the next few days, more of the economy will start to reopen, visits to family and friends and inter-provincial travel will be allowed and alcohol and cigarette bans will be lifted. These are welcomed because we must fight to save jobs and livelihoods but they will require us to continue to be cautious, and to take precautions to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. My plea to all residents of the Western Cape is to act responsibly by wearing your mask, practicing social distancing and keeping up with hygiene measures.