Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Covid-19

2 April 2020 Media Release: Funeral undertakers trained to safely handle COVID-19 deceased

Media Release: Funeral undertakers trained to safely handle COVID-19 deceased

For Immediate Release
2 April 2020

Disease outbreaks often claim lives, and the number of lives lost since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on a global scale, stands at 49,240. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak that hit South Africa, all 9 its provinces and subsequently, the Garden Route district, Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in conjunction with Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), provided training to all funeral undertakers in the district. This was done to ensure that they are trained on aspects such as the safe handling and transportation of the deceased, including the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment and the disinfection of contaminated sites.

Training sessions took place yesterday in all municipal areas and accommodated 40 funeral undertakers in the Garden Route District.

Training sessions were conducted by officials from FPS, EMS, and Environmental Health Practitioners, who explained their different roles with regard to the handling and disposal of human remains and the disinfection of sites.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

2 April 2020 Media Statement: AMENDMENTS TO THE COVID-19 REGULATIONS – SPECIFICALLY ATTENDING OF FUNERALS

GRDM MULTI-AGENCY COMMAND CENTRE POSITION

Please note that this statement replaces the previous statement issued by Garden Route District Municipality as new regulations have been promulgated.

A link to the District’s previous statement is available here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/03/28/restrictions-to-funeral-services-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

MEDIA STATEMENT

2 April 2020

THE MINISTER OF COGTA ANOUNCES AMENDMENTS TO THE COVID-19 REGULATIONS

In a quest to reinforce the national response and following extensive consultations with the Ministers responsible for the COVID-19 interventions and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), the Minister of COGTA, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has gazetted further amendments to the Regulations on the COVID-19 lockdown.

These amendments will enhance national integrated response measures while also clarifying the application of the regulations relating to government’s measures to reduce the risk of infection and curtail the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus while maintain the integrity of the lockdown.

Movement in so far as funerals are concerned is being clarified in the amendment regulations.

The amendments allow certain individuals to move between provinces and, metropolitan and district areas for purposes of transporting a body for burial purposes.

The amendment also limits the individuals who are permitted to travel to funerals. The regulation now outlines a process for persons who wish to travel between provinces, or between metropolitan and district areas to attend a burial or cremation to obtain a permit.

It further determines that only the following persons, who live outside a province or metropolitan and district areas, may attend a funeral:
(i) spouse or partner of the deceased;
(ii) children of the deceased, whether biological, adopted or stepchildren.
(iii) children-in-law of the deceased;
(iv) parents of the deceased whether biological, adopted or stepparents;
(v) siblings, whether biological, adopted or stepbrother or sister of the deceased;
(vi) grandparents of the deceased; and
(vii) persons closely affiliated to the deceased.

The current prohibition of 50 persons attending a funeral is still in operation. The holding of night vigils is still prohibited.

The permit may be obtained from:
– A Magistrate who is the head of office or
– a station commander of a police station or a person designated by him or her

In order to obtain a permit:
A Magistrate who is the head of office or a station commander of a police station or a person designated by him or her must be provided with a death certificate or a certified copy of a death certificate;

It is important to note that:
A permit holder may stay at a hotel, lodge or guest house for the duration of the funeral or cremation. The permit must be presented to the owner or manager of the hotel, lodge or guest house.

The COVID-19 regulations and ammendment may be accessed for download at: http://www.cogta.gov.za/?p=7871 or https://bit.ly/2X46YJl

The members of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) on COVID-19 will brief the media today on the amendments. The details of the media briefing will be announced shortly.

Enquiries:
Mlungisi Mtshali
Cell: 0820885060

Issued by Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

2 April 2020 Media Release: More than 500 Water Tanks to be distributed to Western Cape informal settlements

Media Release: More than 500 Water Tanks to be distributed to Western Cape informal settlements

For Immediate Release
2 April 2020

Please note that we have added the section in bold, GRDM Communications

 

In the coming days approximately 500 water tanks will be distributed to various informal settlements across the Western Cape. Residents in these communities should be aware that their safety, health and basic rights are our top priority during this National crisis.

Based on the input provided by Municipalities, it was determined that 293 water tanks will be distributed to non-Metro districts, while the Metro will receive 244 of these tanks.

The non-Metro breakdown will see the Cape Winelands District receiving 75, the Garden Route District 86, Central Karoo District 50, Overberg District45 and the West Coast District 42.

A breakdown of the total number of water tanks per town in the Garden Route District, is as follows:

  • Hessequa: 5
  • Mossel Bay: 6
  • George: 20
  • Knysna: 20
  • Bitou: 15
  • Oudtshoorn: 10
  • Kannaland: 10

It is critical that good and effective hygiene, along with social distancing is practiced in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The provision of these water tanks will undoubtedly assist in this regard, particularly since access to water is one of the challenges that’s faced by informal settlements across the country.

The Western Cape Government will be monitoring the distribution of these water tanks closely, to ensure that they do arrive at the identified area and that it is benefitting the community. I call on community members to ensure that this infrastructure is protected and utilised to strengthen, improved hygiene.

In these difficult times which we are experiencing as a country, I am making a further call on the private sector, as part of active citizenry and who might be in a position to also assist with the provision of water tanks to play a role in this regard, as it will help us in the fight against COVID-19.

We have to #StopTheSpread

Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
or
Mr. Nathan Adriaanse
Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483-2868
Cell: 083 263 1720

02 April 2020 Media Statement: Domestic waste handling guidelines for those in self-isolation due to COVID-19 infection

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

02 April 2020

The Municipal Health and Waste Management Units of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Local Municipalities would like inform the public about important guidelines regarding the proper handling and storage of domestic waste generated by all positively identified COVID-19 residents.

“Residents tested positive for COVID-19 must be in self-isolation, and the guidelines we provide must be followed to protect essential workers and anyone else who comes into contact with domestic waste,” said Johan Compion, GRDM Manager: Municipal Health Services.

These guidelines are aligned to national guidelines and exist to curb the spread of the coronavirus to the waste management services personnel and other residents.

The GRDM Multi Agency Command Centre appeals to the public to be responsible and to adhere to the guidelines before placing waste outside for kerbside removal.

GUIDELINES

  1. That all waste items that have been in contact with individuals that are confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 (e.g. used tissues, disposable cleaning cloths, gloves, masks, etc.) are disposed of securely within a black refuse plastic bag, separate from the rest of the household’s refuse.
  2. When full, the black refuse plastic bag should then be placed in a second black refuse plastic bag (double bag) and tied to prevent any waste from spilling from the bag.  Additional black refuse plastic bags will be made available to those who tested positive for COVID-19. The distribution of these bags will be done by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners.
  3. Double-bagged refuse bags  must be stored separately for five (5) days in direct sun, before being placed outside your home for collection by a local municipality. The safest option would be to store bags for an additional week before domestic waste collection is done. This will ensure that the COVID-19 virus is killed.
  4. In the case of wheelie bin removal service, residents are reminded to have all personal hygiene and sanitary products double bagged (placed within two small plastic bags) before placing waste inside a bin. Examples of personal hygiene and sanitary products are tissues, used gloves and masks, etc.)
  5. Residents are requested to please sanitize or wash hands with water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling wheelie bins or black refuse plastic bags. This measure is to protect both the public and the essential refuse removal teams.
  6. Residents are requested to sanitise wheelie bin handles and wheelie bin covers.
  7. Residents are requested to refrain from approaching refuse removal personnel. Please keep a distance of 2m at all times.
  8. The black refuse plastic bags or wheelie bins can be placed out for kerbside removal after the above mentioned steps have been followed.
  9. Please put your bags and wheelie bins out for collection, as close as possible to the time of arrival of the waste collection services.
  10. Please secure the bags in order to ensure that your pets do not have access to the bags to prevent them from tearing the bags or spilling the contents.

Please be aware that this guideline might be updated in the near future and that changes will be communicated.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

1 April 2020 Media Release: Role of Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Media Release: Role of Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners during the COVID-19 Outbreak

For Immediate Release
1 April 2020

During the past few weeks, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) have showed courage in the face of adversity, each playing a vital role to prevent and minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the district. At the beginning of March 2020, the Municipal Health Section of the GRDM’s Community Services launched a massive awareness campaign to educate the general public, not only about the signs and symptoms of the coronavirus disease, but most importantly on ways on how to minimize or prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other matters on how to protect themselves and others.

As part of the campaign, more frequent inspections are conducted at premises to ensure that basic principles such as hand hygiene (hand washing with water and soap for 20 seconds and hand sanitizing or disinfection), cough etiquette, cleaning, sanitizing and or disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and social distancing are applied.  Other practices which are also promoted include adequate ventilation, the use of personal protective equipment by food handlers, cleaning and disinfection of transport vehicles and pest control, to name a few.

Yesterday, EHP’s in collaboration with the local municipalities in the Garden Route District, South African Police Services (SAPS) and local businesses played a vital role in protecting our community during the South African Social Security (SASSA) grant payouts. This was done by ensuring that social distancing and hand hygiene (where applicable) was practiced.  Personal hygiene practices were also promoted, especially within the public transport sector. Communities of the Garden Route can be assured that the GRDM Environmental Health Partitions will be visible until all SASSA grants have been paid.

Ongoing collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Health where Environmental Health Practitioners play an important role in the active tracing of contacts, meaning those who have been in close contact with a confirmed / positive COVID-19 case in the region, or to find out exactly where a person contracted the virus.  During the contact tracing process, EHP’s do backward tracing, back to the person where the infected person first came in contact with the virus and potentially caught the virus from. EHP’s address the importance of self isolation, self quarantine and waste management as practices used to curb the further spread of the disease.  “We also reassure those individuals who have been identified as confirmed COVID-19 cases and their contacts that any information obtained during investigation will be regarded as confidential,” said Mr Haemish Herwels, GRDM Chief: Municipal Health Services-Hessequa.

As it is enforced that all South Africans participate in the nationwide 21-day lockdown to stop the spread of the COVID -19 pandemic, EHP’s in the Garden Route District are visible daily on streets – “knowing that the only way we will win the fight against COVID-19 is to implement a ‘Whole of Society Approach’, meaning we all have to play our role,“ said Mr Herwels.

As the GRDM we would also like to extend a word of gratitude to our EHP soldiers out in the field, who leave their loved-ones and families behind, to join forces in leading the fight against the COVID-19 disease.

1 April 2020 Media Release: Various donations welcomed during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Release: Various donations welcomed during the COVID-19 pandemic

For Immediate Release
1 April 2020

South Africa is facing an unprecedented challenge with communities and the economy being affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic. In the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) jurisdiction, with its seven (7) local municipal areas (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), Garden Routers are coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by lending a helping hand to others.

According to the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto: “The donation of non-perishable food, toiletries, bedding for single beds will be of particular benefit to the less fortunate. Hand sanitisers are also on the list of critical shortages identified. In response to this need, the GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre kindly requests the public to make donations of this kind at the specified sites.”

“Each municipality in the District have identified a site for storing donations, from where the distribution of items will be done by Western Cape Government Department of Social Development representatives,” said Otto.

Donations by the public must happen without violating the isolation or quarantine measures in place or putting oneself or others at risk. Please note that it is advised that pre-arranged drop-off times be arranged to avoid overcrowding of sites.

Below find a breakdown of where to drop off spots or contacts details per town:

HESSEQUA

Hessequa Fire Station, Mulder Street, Riversdale. Contact 028 713 7917 or 028 713 8000.

MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay Fire Station, Corner of Louis Fourie and Schoeman Streets, Mossel Bay. Charles Street, Great Brak River behind Mossel Bay municipal offices.  Contact the emergency call centre on 044 606 5000 or 044 691 3722.

GEORGE

Community and Social Development Services, Corner of St Johns and Varing Streets, George. Contact 044 802 2000 or visit https://bit.ly/2wJ1OrO

KNYSNA

Contact Pam Booth on 060 998 6967 to make arrangements for collections.

BITOU

Bitou Fire Station, 1 Flying Cloud Drive, Plettenberg Bay. Contact Andile Sakati on 083 273 7057 / 072 272 4242 or Hadley Venter on 083 443 0120.

GREATER OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn Fire Station (Disaster Relief Hub), 26 Church Street, Oudtshoorn. Contact Ms Sarah Olislager at 044 272 8977/ 083 689 2893 and Mr Wayne Peterson at 044 272 89 77.

KANNALAND

Disaster Management Centre, 23 Church Street, Ladismith (next to Standard Bank). Contact Wayne Robertson on 060 691 3029.

Before any donations are made, please contact the following DSD area representatives:

Mr Dennis Nghonyama [Oudtshoorn/ Kannaland] – 082 960 5746

Mr Mzukisi Skosana [George] – 083 628 7074

Mr Kenneth Mazaleni [Knysna/Bitou] –    082  226 9521

Ms Kholiswa Jobela  [Mossel Bay/Hessequa]- 078 210 5972

Donations will be controlled in adherence to lockdown regulations and responsibly distributed.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

iStock.com/privetik

Media Release: How nail hygiene can affect your health

Media Release: How nail hygiene can affect your health

For Immediate Release
1 April 2020

We have all seen it: the constant awareness about washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But did you know that if you have long fingernails, the 20-second rule becomes a little more complicated and should probably be increased to a few minutes? This is because of an area called the subungual region underneath each fingernail of a person. This area carries a lot of harmful microorganisms.

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Dermatology, based in the United States of America, found that this area under fingernails harbours the same type of microorganisms as the rest of a person’s hand, but considerably more of them.

Long nails are not ideal during the COVID-19 outbreak

GRDM urges the public to do proper handwashing, while also paying special attention to the subungual area beneath fingernails when washing hands. It is best advised to keep nails trimmed, shortening the subungual area beneath and making it easier to clean.

If you can’t put your fingers down against your other palm without your nails creating a space, you are higher at risk of contracting the disease. This is true unless you use a nail brush every time you wash your hands.

Biting of fingernails

The bad habit of biting your nails could spread the coronavirus. Next time you feel like chewing on your nails, rather make a fist with your hand and hold it tight whenever you feel the urge to bite. This should be held for at least 60 seconds. Over time this will trigger your brain into thinking that the behaviour is wrong.

By following these guidelines you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Image credit: iStock.com/privetik

Media Statement: New standard workplace hygiene checklists for EHPs

Media  Statement

For Immediate Release

1 April 2020

COVID-19 regulations, promulgated to limit the spread of the Coronavirus disease, must be implemented. The Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are some of the many essential workers who are risking their own lives to protect community members.

According to the GRDM Manager, Municipal Health Services, Mr Johan Compion: “From today, 1 April 2020, EHPs will amplify their inspections at shops, with a few new additions to their checklists.  The lists have changed slightly to also focus on a comprehensive list of hygiene standards.”

“The implementation and monitoring of preventative measures are essential for public health,” says Compion.

EHPs will now test the additional new criteria, while continuing to test pre-covid19 criteria:

  1. Distance control between customers.
  2. Hand sanitizing at point of entry/exit.
  3. Good ventilation.
  4. Hand soap.
  5. Use of hand sanitisers.
  6. Hand drying material.
  7. Waste bin (with lid).
  8. Nail brush.
  9. Disposable hand wipes.
  10. Gloves (when needed).
  11. Masks (when needed).
  12. Disinfection routines relating to touch points, keypads, cash registers, utensils and other equipment.
  13. Understanding of Covid-19 symptoms, monitoring and reporting.
  14. Proper sanitation facilities.
  15. Washing hands after handling notes and coins.
  16. Washing hands before handling food.
  17. Cleaning and disinfection of fleet vehicles.

Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference. Acting now will help protect employees and essential businesses.

Editor’s note: EHP’s perform monitoring and awareness activities at premises in terms of the NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR PREMISES AND ACCEPTABLE MONITORING STANDARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS promulgated under the NATIONAL HEALTH ACT, 2003 (ACT NO. 61 OF 2003).

The checklist is accessible to businesses here: Link to website page

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

 

Media Statement: Lockdown applies to common areas including that of complexes and estates too

Media  Statement

For Immediate Release

31 March 2020

Lockdown applies to common areas including that of complexes and estates too

People living in private residential complexes, estates, apartment block and other such private facilities MAY NOT USE COMMON AREAS DURING LOCKDOWN.

This is in response to queries that have arisen from notifications that may have emanated from estate management companies and homeowners associations regarding the right to move on their own properties, including common areas such as parks, play parks, open grass areas, etc.

Herewith confirmation by Garden Route Disaster Management Head Gerhard Otto today (31 March 2020) that during lockdown:

  1. State of emergency regulation supersedes all other rules, including that on ‘private property’.
  2. No common property in estates may be used during lockdown for public gatherings or recreational activities.
  3. Body corporate/homeowners associations have the authority to self-enforce.
  4. Body corporates/homeowners associations may be criminally culpable for not enforcing lock down.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Update on the Coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde- communities can help us fight this virus

Media Release: 

As at 00h01 on 31 March 2020, the Western Cape had recorded 348 cases of COVID-19 across the province.

Sub District Breakdown (Cape Town metro):

Metro
Cases
Western 118
Southern 104
Northern 17
Tygerberg 23
Eastern 14
Klipfontein 7
Mitchells Plain 5
Khayelitsha 1
Total 289

Sub-district breakdown (Non-metro):

Non-Metro
District  Sub-district  Cases
Garden Route Bitou 4
Garden Route Knysna 6
Garden Route George 8
Garden Route Hessequa 3
Garden Route Mossel Bay 5
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 11
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 6
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 4
Cape Winelands Langeberg 1
Overberg Overstrand 5
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay 1
West Coast Swartland 1
Total   56

Not allocated by address: 3

Sunday was the first day that we provided lower level data and some processing errors occurred in the way that data was allocated to various sub-districts- specifically Swellendam, Bitou and Knysna. These errors have been corrected in today’s data and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused.

We currently have 13 people in hospital, with three patients being treated in ICU.

We can also confirm today that 50 people who previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the City of Cape Town, have fully recovered from their symptoms. All of them have completed their 14 day period of self-isolation, and can now, in accordance with guidelines set out by the NICD, leave isolation. They are now in the same scenario as all other members of the public, in that they are required to obey the lockdown laws, but can leave their homes for necessities such as medical care, food, cash and to collect grants, only.

SASSA grants:

Since yesterday, we have seen long queues for the collection of social grants in supermarkets and shops. We are therefore calling on members of the public who are not collecting grants, to refrain from shopping over the next few days unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. This will help to minimize crowds and queues and ensure that grant recipients including the elderly and disabled, are not put at unnecessary risk.

Communities:

The Western Cape Government is working around the clock to ensure that we can mitigate the impact of this virus. Communities have a critically important role to play in protecting themselves and those most vulnerable from COVID-19 infection. By ensuring that we stay inside, and limit contact with other people when it is necessary to go out, we will be able to flatten the curve of infections and ensure our health services are not overwhelmed. This will allow us to ensure that those who are sick, are able to receive the care they need.

It came to our attention today that the Bo-Kaap community has established their own COVID-19 response team. This team, together with proactive and open family of a patient, was able to alert the community to a positive test in a way that was informative, and did not stigmatise the illness. Their efforts could also support us to trace close contacts and ensure they self-isolate. This kind of response team can only work if the messaging is responsible, caring and shared on a voluntary basis, and we would like to thank them for this.

We also call on communities to support our #ThankYouWC campaign aimed at celebrating those essential service workers, from the doctors and nurses at the frontline of our response, to the supermarket staff, farmworkers, law enforcement and all of the other men and women who go to work every day to ensure we are able to get through this pandemic. We thank you for your service.

Residents are asked to hang a flag or a colourful piece of cloth from their doors and windows as a show of support and solidarity in neighbourhoods.

Important numbers

Coronavirus national hotline: 0800 029 999

Coronavirus provincial hotline: 021 928 4102

To report crime or transgressions of the lockdown regulations: 10111

Reporting line for instances of abuse by police members: 073 890 1269

Reporting line for instances of abuse by the military: 012 676 3800 or email intake@milombud.org

Western Cape Police Ombudsman (complaints related to policing): Ombudsman@wcpo.gov.za