Covid-19

27 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 26 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1618 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 24

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The province has also recorded one more death-a 63 year old woman with comorbidities-bringing the total number of deaths to 33. We send our condolences to her loved ones at this time.

Khayelitsha Testing and Triage Centre:

Today I had the opportunity to visit the newly completed testing and triage centre at the Khayelitsha Hospital. This is one of 17 such planned facilities which will be rolled out in the province. These facilities have been designed to relieve the pressure on emergency services, and allow for patients to be tested, assessed and assisted separately from the other services.

These temporary facilities are part of our efforts to ensure that our health care system will not be overwhelmed once we reach the peak infections t, and that we are able to provide appropriate care and assistance to our communities.

We have already rolled out similar facilities in Mitchells Plain and Paarl and have a number of others currently under construction to come online soon.

Together with our community screening and testing programme, these facilities are an important part of our testing response. The Western Cape has been focusing its testing on identifying pockets of infection or “bush fires” so that where there is an infection, we can identify all the contacts associated with that patient, and screen or test them as required. This active case finding approach is a key pillar of our health department’s response strategy.

Social distancing:

A number of the “bushfires” we have identified have been in places where people are able to gather under lockdown regulations; supermarkets, public transport and places of work, where people are employed as essential workers.

Social distancing must become part of our everyday lives for the foreseeable future. Whether its standing in a queue in a supermarket, queuing to collect a social grant, or in the workplace, whether it be an office, or a factory, keeping a physical distance of 1.5 metres is as important as handwashing and wearing a mask, for stopping the spread.

Businesses, whether they will be opening under level four, or in a later level, should all be preparing their plans now, for how they will operate when they are allowed to reopen. This includes the hygiene measures they intend to implement, and how they will ensure social distancing in the workplace. This may include increased numbers of shifts, with fewer people on each, or that some staff continue to work from home.

Careful planning now is essential to ensure that as we open up our economy even further, we are not putting those people who are returning to work, at increased risk of infection.

Freedom Day message:

Today, we celebrate those South Africans who fought tirelessly for our freedom, often at a heavy personal cost. We remember their sacrifices, and the multitude of freedoms we have won in democratic South Africa.

The country currently faces the massive challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we should use today as a reminder of what we as a nation have been able to accomplish by working together.

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 27 April 2020

Release: Immediately

Western Cape businesses have made their voices heard on the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy

In the last 48 hours our teams have worked around the clock to engage with economic stakeholders across the Western Cape to ensure that the many voices of business are heard as part of national government’s consultation on the proposed Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy.

While we continue to support the nation-wide lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19,  it is also critical, that where we can get people back to work, we do so as soon as possible to ensure that livelihoods are maintained, and that we can start to rebuild our economy.

So, we welcome and appreciate the opportunity to submit comments on the Schedule of Services as part of the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy.

In response we have directly engaged with 445 economic stakeholders, across business and industry in the Western Cape, and we have received over 40 submissions which we have forwarded on to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

In addition to the inputs received from our economic stakeholders, we have also submitted further inputs for consideration by COGTA pertaining specifically to the conditions, regulations and inclusion of certain economic activity for Level 4. These recommendations take into consideration the stringent health and safety measures that will be applied by business to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Our proposed amendments to Level 4 of the Schedule of Services include, but are not limited to the following:

• Including a number of agricultural and other products for export such as wine and hops, yachts and boats, engine parts, plants and herbal products and any other product deemed essential in another country, as well as the movement of imported goods to for warehousing purposes.
• Allowing the construction industry to operate, especially where there is minimal labour and more use of capital equipment, and with the option of split shifts to ensure social distancing is adhered to
• Allowing manufacturing to operate at 50% capacity where it is safe to do and also allowing certain sectors to operate night shifts under curfew, particularly for manufacturing, agri-processing and BPO sectors
• Allowing a number of additional sectors to open, particularly those that would allow for SMMEs and the informal sector to open, such as nurseries, film production, specialty stores such as bakeries, butcheries and health food stores and laundry and dry-cleaning services
• Allowing for eCommerce under level 4, as this will support the promotion and opening of retail, while ensuring that people remain at home instead of visiting physical stores.

Download the full submission as a PDF document here >>

We will continue to motivate that where businesses in the Western Cape are able to operate safely they can do so, and so I have written to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, to request him to convene an urgent meeting of the Ministers and Members of Executive Councils (MinMEC) to discuss the implementation of the risk-adjusted approach to the lockdown and the proposed “Level 4” restrictions in the provinces.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

The Western Cape economy can and will rebound from this crisis, and together we will do everything possible to ensure that.

Notes for media:

Find link to article online here:  https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/businesses-have-made-their-voices-heard-covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy

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

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES – FRAMEWORK FOR SECTORS

25 April 2020

Permitted goods, services and movement.

Please click on the link to download the document:  

2020 04 25 Permitted goods, services and movement (Public Version).

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 26 April 2020

Release: Immediately

Businesses – have your say on the Covid-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy

Yesterday (25 April 2020), the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, released a draft framework setting out the services that will be permitted to operate in key economic sectors under the new risk-adjusted approach to the Covid-19 lockdown, and which will be implemented with Level 4 from 1 May 2020 across South Africa.

We want to ensure that where businesses in the Western Cape are able to operate safely they are able to do so, and so we will be requesting the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel, to convene an immediate meeting of the Ministers and Members of Executive Councils (MinMEC) to discuss the implementation of the risk-adjusted approach to the lockdown and the proposed “Level 4” restrictions in the provinces.

We also welcome and appreciate the opportunity to submit comments on the “Schedule of Services” to be phased in as per the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, prior to the implementation of the regulations, and encourage all business, trade unions and members of the public to urgently submit their comments.

The draft framework for the Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy can be viewed here >> https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

Organisations will need to download the PDF document of the “Draft Framework for Consultation on COVID-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy” to view the “Schedule of Services”. Note that the annexure of the document includes guidelines and a template for the submission of the comments.

Completed submissions must be sent to lockdowncomments@cogta.gov.za by 12h00, on Monday, 27 April 2020.

Submissions can also be emailed to the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism at ecohead@westerncape.gov.za in order for us to facilitate further engagements where required.

Since the start of this crisis we have done everything we can to support businesses, to back businesses and to save businesses, jobs and the economy in the Western Cape.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

The Western Cape economy can and will rebound from this crisis, and together we will do everything possible to ensure that.

Notes for media:

Find link to article online here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/businesses-%E2%80%93-have-your-say-covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy

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

26 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 25 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1531 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 34

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports. Cases reported in Khayelitsha (1), Breede Valley (3) and Drakenstein (2) yesterday have been reallocated based on updated address data.

The province has recorded two more deaths- ​a 53 year old man with significant comorbidities and a 76 year old man-bringing the total number of deaths to 32 in the province. We extend our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Most of the people who have died in the province have been vulnerable, either because of their age, or because they had an underlying medical condition. The lockdown regulations are in place to protect you, but also to help save the lives of these vulnerable groups. Many people will contract COVID-19 in the province in the coming months and recover, but for the elderly and the sick, the risk of serious complications is much higher.

Kindness and compassion for those ill:

Anyone can contract COVID-19; it does not discriminate. We must remember that just like every other person who gets sick, those infected with Covid-19 deserve our love, kindness and compassion at all times.

COVID-19 testing:

In the past 48 hours, we have conducted over 3000 tests in the province in line with our strategy to seek out pockets of infection in our communities, isolate those who are positive and trace their contacts. We follow an active case finding approach to testing and screening, where we follow the “bush fires” – pockets of infections within communities, and identify those who are infected with Covid-19 as quickly as possible. The screening process, based on this evidence, refers those who are symptomatic for testing.

Infection prevention:

As we move towards level 4 of lockdown, the risk of infection can increase as there will be more people moving around. We must make sure we are aware of this at all times: follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times when you leave the house, always keep a distance from others, and make sure that you wear a cloth mask. Wearing a cloth mask will become mandatory from 1 May, but we encourage you to already start wearing one already if you leave the house. Please remember to not touch your face when wearing a mask and to follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times when doing so.

Infections are most likely to happen where people congregate and come into close contact- in supermarkets, on public transport and in the workplace. We have met with the retail sector and have devised protocols which are aimed at keeping their staff and their customers safe.

Already, we have seen a number of retailers put innovative measures in place to ensure safety while shopping- these include protective screens in some stores, stickers or tape used to indicate social distancing while queuing, and special shopping hours for the elderly.

Shoppers can play their part by ensuring that they do not go shopping if they feel sick or have flu-like symptoms, they cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their elbow while coughing or sneezing and they wear clean, cloth masks while shopping. If someone stands too close to you, tell them kindly to keep their distance.

It is also best to only send only one family member to do the shopping and this person should be the healthiest person in the household.

Over the next week, Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo will also undertake a roadshow at various supermarkets to highlight the importance of hand sanitizing, hygiene and social distancing.

Other businesses who intend to reopen on 1 May in line with the level 4 regulations, must devise infection prevention protocols which are applicable to their businesses to ensure that staff and clientele are not put at any additional risk.

25 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 24 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1435 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 25

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The Western Cape has recorded two new deaths- a woman, aged 51 and a man, aged 30, both with comorbidities. We send our condolences to their loved ones during this difficult time.

In the last 24 hours, a further 1550 tests have been conducted in the Western Cape.

This testing is based on our active case finding approach, where we purposely follow the “bush fires” – the pockets of infections within communities, to ensure that every person who has been infected by Covid-19 is identified as quickly as possible. The screening identifies those who are symptomatic, and these residents are referred for testing.

Identifying every person infected by Covid-19, allows us to isolate patients, trace their contacts, and provide healthcare services where needed. International experience has shown us that this approach, combined with good hygiene measures and lockdown regulations are key in stopping the spread.

We are ramping up our rigorous screening and testing, in line with this approach and in accordance with international best practice.

It remains important to remember that the lockdown has not stopped Covid-19, and the peak is still to come with many people being infected by the virus. The situation is going to get more difficult, and it is up to all of us to ensure we flatten the curve and prevent our health system from being overwhelmed. This will help save many lives.

Level four lockdown:

Earlier today, national government made further announcements regarding level four restrictions which will come into effect on Friday, 1 May. Under these restrictions, certain sectors of our economy will be opened up. A night-time curfew has also been introduced between 8pm and 5am and cloth masks have been made mandatory for anyone leaving their homes. Residents are urged to abide by these new regulations which will allow us to limit the spread of the virus, while still allowing some activity to take place.

We welcome the announcement that cloth masks will be made mandatory for those who go out in public. I had made this request to the President during the last PCC meeting, and I am glad that this recommendation has been taken up. Wearing a cloth mask properly, and always following the golden rules of good hygiene when doing so, can help limit the spread of the virus.

We are also pleased that limited production and the sale of stationery, educational books and personal IT equipment such as computers and cell phones is now allowed, as these will allow for education, learning and home businesses to continue.

I am equally happy that children’s and winter clothing will be allowed for sale under level 4, but re-iterate the call that people should visit shops as infrequently as possible in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Agriculture is a major contributor to the provincial economy so we welcome the further opening up of agricultural exports, as well as essential fishing operations and flower growers.

Greater responsibility on us all:

These new regulations place a lot of responsibility on employers and individuals. Businesses who intend to open from 1 May must ensure that when they do begin operating, they have all of the correct protocols in place- including heightened hygiene measures, and social distancing protocols to allow their staff to work safely.

As individuals, we all need to abide by these new regulations and adapt to this “new normal”. I know it is very difficult, and we all desperately want to see our friends and loved ones again. We have done so much already, and we must continue with our hard work going forward. I know, if we strengthen our resolve now to defeat this virus, we can stop the spread. We can do this.

And, we must not forget what we have learnt already: Hand washing regularly with soap, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into the crook of the arm, keeping physical distance and wearing a cloth mask can all help to slow the rate of infection and to stop the spread.

24 April

Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a new risk-aligned strategy to the lockdown, which will see the country move to slightly more relaxed restrictions on 1 May.

We welcome this approach, which balances the need to remain cautious to prevent new infections, with the need to re-open the economy so that people can start to return to work.

We await further details from the national government on the details of the restrictions that will be enforced per level. As we have seen during the present lockdown, clear directives are critical to ensure public and business compliance.

Without pre-empting this detail, it does appear that level four continues to restrict some services which we have previously lobbied to be considered as essential. An example of this is the sale of books and stationery, which are not clearly defined for sale under this stage of lockdown. If schools are not yet allowed to reopen, stationery and books are essential tools which will help parents ensure that their children are able to continue to learn and read during this period.

I am pleased that the President has called for submissions on the proposed levels prior to them being finalised, and we will certainly be embracing this opportunity.

In this respect, we will working urgently with various businesses and industries, as well as our own workstreams, to seek their input on the proposed levels, prior to submitting a consolidated submission to the Presidency and COGTA.

For our part, we will work with the national government to ensure that once implemented, the new approach is effective in stopping the spread while still allowing for necessary economic activity to resume.

While it may be tempting to see these relaxed regulations as a lifting of the lockdown, we call on all residents to continue to abide by the rules, which are in place to ensure that we are able to limit the spread. The new regulations place additional responsibility on our citizens to stop the spread.

The new phased lockdown approach is based on infection data, and we will only be able to move down in levels, towards the new normal, when and where infection data is showing stabilisation in the number of new infections.

That is why it is crucial that across South Africa, we implement a rigorous screening an testing regime. In the Western Cape, we have done so. We therefore expect the number of laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases to climb in our province.

Since the start of April, our community screening teams have reached over 150 000 people in communities across the province.

Over the past week, nearly 9000 tests have been conducted in the province as part of our active case finding approach to make sure that we identify every person who might have been infected with Covid-19 as quickly as possible.

We have embraced testing because if we know someone is Covid-19 positive, we can ensure that they isolate, and we can stop the spread the virus to others.

We can also follow up with their contacts immediately and start the process all over again. It also means that we can care for those who might be very sick because of the virus.

Our screening and testing teams are deployed based on data which actively identifies and follows the “bush fires” – the pockets of infections within communities.

We identify these pockets whenever we confirm a Covid-19 case, and our rigorous contact tracing teams track their previous movements and contacts.

Many of these referred tests were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing up our total of new infections considerably.

I understand that our residents are worried as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the Western Cape, but this is a natural result of our more rigorous testing approach.

Our strategy is to do screening and testing even more rigorously. This is the best way to contain the virus and to flatten the curve.

We are going to face a very challenging time in the weeks and months to come. The lockdown has helped, but it has not stopped the virus. The peak is still to come, and many people will be infected by Covid-19.

That is why it is so important that every single one of us continue to play our part to flatten the curve. If we do this, we can prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and we can save many lives.

We have to do this by continuing with what we have learnt already:  we must always follow good hygiene practises and wear a cloth mask when in public at all times. We must stay home and keep a distance from others. If we are sick, we must not leave our house: and first call our hotline to find out what to do next.

We must work harder now than ever before. I know we can stop the spread, if we all work together in this way.

Date: 24 April 2020

Release: Immediately

New risk adjusted lockdown welcomed in the Western Cape

We welcome the commitment by President Cyril Ramaphosa to implement a new approach to the lockdown and ease the current restrictions from 1 May 2020 in South Africa.

We have supported the nation-wide lockdown implemented by national government to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic in the Western Cape. However the detrimental impact that this temporary closure of the economy on businesses, especially small businesses and the informal sector, as well as individual employees, has been huge. And so, the risk adjusted strategy to the lockdown will begin to breath new life into the economy in the Western Cape.

The devil is in the detail and so we will:

• work with national government to implement the new approach to the lockdown by making recommendations on appropriate “alert levels” for districts within the province; and
• work with business where required to prepare submissions on industry classifications, prepare health and safety protocols to protect employees and prepare workplace plans to prevent the spread of infection.

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new approach to the lockdown, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

Notes for media:

Find link to article online here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/new-risk-adjusted-lockdown-welcomed-western-cape

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

24 April 2020 

As of 17h00 on 23 April, the Western Cape has recorded 1314 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 15

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

A case previously allocated to the Matzikama sub-district has been reallocated.

The Western Cape is saddened to announce another three deaths in the province, bringing the total number of deaths to 28. They include a 76 year old woman, a 44 year old woman and a 31 year old man- all with significant comorbidities. We send our condolences to their families and loved ones at this time.

Rigorous screening and testing:

I understand that our residents are worried as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the Western Cape, but this is a natural result of our more rigorous testing approach.

Our strategy is to do screening and testing even more rigorously. This is the best way to contain the virus and to flatten the curve.

We are going to face a very challenging time in the weeks and months to come. The lockdown has helped, but it has not stopped the virus. The peak is still to come, and many people will be infected by Covid-19.

That is why it is so important that every single one of us continue to play our part to flatten the curve. If we do this, we can prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and we can save many lives.

A total of 150 847 people have been screened in the province this month- with 6006 sent for testing.

Our increased focus on screening and testing has helped us to respond to areas of risk as we identify them, and then quarantine or isolate people where necessary, as part of our prevention strategy.

Municipal assistance:

Today, we can announce that R16.2 million in additional funding has been allocated to municipalities in the province towards humanitarian relief. Our district and local municipalities are closest to the ground, and on a day to day basis, are delivering services to residents. They therefore have a good sense of where needs are greatest and this additional funding will help them to address some of the most immediate needs.

Minister of Local Government, and Environmental Affairs, Anton Bredell said: “The Provincial Department of Local Government has allocated additional funding of R16.2 million to various municipalities in the Western Cape with a focus on those municipalities most at need. The R16.2 million has been reallocated from existing budgets and is going to support municipalities in the Western Cape with humanitarian relief for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Municipalities are already providing much needed relief in various forms, including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food parcels. This allocation will assist them in continuing to do so. The funds have been transferred directly to the municipal accounts,” Minister Bredell said.

23 April 2020

As of 17h00 on 22April, the Western Cape has recorded 1068 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 29

Data notes:

*Going forward, the data will be reported as at 17h00 on the previous day, rather than at midnight in order to allow more time to prepare the daily reports.

The Western Cape is saddened to announce another three deaths in the province- bringing the total number of deaths to 25-two women aged 62 and 63 respectively and a 41 year old man. We send our condolences to their family and loved ones at this time.

The deaths indicate that the elderly and people with co-morbid medical conditions (like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are particularly at risk of severe Covid-19 disease. We call for special attention and precautions to protect the elderly and people with chronic diseases against exposure to Covid-19. It is also important to stress the need for healthy lifestyles and the annual flu vaccine. The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent COVID-19 infection, but it can protect the vulnerable from contracting the flu and further compromising immunity.

The Western Cape Government is working hard to ensure that the health system is able to respond to the peak of this pandemic, and that the sick will receive the appropriate care. But in order to achieve this, we need to “flatten the curve” and this will require every single person in the Western Cape’s help.

We need to make sure that we continue to practice physical distancing and good hygiene at all times. If you are not feeling well, you must stay home, and call our hotline for advice on what to do next. And, we should all be wearing cloth masks (properly with good hygiene practices) whenever we go out into public.

President Ramaphosa’s address tonight:

President Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation tonight on the lockdown.

Whatever approach is adopted by the President going forward, one reality is clear: we are entering into a “new normal” in South Africa. The lockdown has given us precious time to prepare for the peak of the pandemic, but it has not stopped it.

There is a lot of hard work still needed from us all. Indeed, we all have an important role to play in flattening the curve, and I urge all our residents to keep up their hard work in helping us do so. We are all in this together.

I am so thankful for the determination shown by so many of our residents to date.

Community screening:

The Western Cape Government has now screened over 100 000 people through its community screening programme, with 123 683 people screened and 5230 tested since the programme was first rolled out at the beginning of April.

This has been an incredible effort and we thank all of those that have been involved so far.

Food response:

Today, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber, handed over 10 000 fruit parcels to be distributed by the Gift of the Givers, to families in need. We thank these farmers for giving back to their communities and helping to support efforts to feed those who are in need of nutritious food right now. I would also like to thank the Gift of the Givers and all of the other NGOs and individuals who have recognized the need in our society and responded.

Whether people are providing one person with one meal, or helping to feed thousands, these acts of kindness and generosity are appreciated.