Media Release: Sunday 7 June marks three years after the 2017 Knysna and Bitou wildfire disaster

For Immediate Release
1 June 2020

“The 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster was without a doubt the most devastating of its kind in the history of Southern Africa,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).”

“With the loss of life and a badly-affected local economy, irreparable damage done to infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, forestry and property running into trillions of rand, the Knysna disaster caused unparalleled ecological havoc in an area of over 20 000 hectares.

As part of an ongoing debate on the correlation between the consequences of COVID-19 and that of climate change, GREF asked Gerhard Otto, Head of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre, if the Southern Cape is today better prepared in the event of a repeat of the 2017 wildfire disaster.

“From a preparedness level the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre, Local Municipalities, nature conservations entities, forestry as well as regional fire protection associations have, as a collective, ramped up capacity to fight wildfire disaster way beyond what was in place in 2017. Aerial firefighting capacity, clearing of fire breaks and upgraded firefighting equipment, all makes for a better-prepared region dealing with regular and intense wildfire scenarios,” says Otto.

“The 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster was caused by a perfect storm of climate change, super strong winds, possible human error and the prevalence of large-scale invasive alien plants in the landscape, all of which contributed to the scale and ferocity of the disaster.”

“For instance, in as much as disaster management and firefighting services are better resourced than three years ago, there is still too much invasive alien plants in the landscape that has the potential to provide the biofuel necessary for a repeat of the 2017 wildfire disaster.”

“Landowners, in general, do their best, within their means, to eradicate and control invasive alien plant growth on their land, but the task at hand is a mammoth one, and much more needs to be done in order to achieve a fire-safe environment in the Southern Cape,” says Otto.

“COVID-19 has had a severe and tangible effect on the socio-economic fabric of the Southern Cape and we know that the real challenge the advent of the pandemic is posing, is still nowhere near its true impact. Both COVID-19 and climate change will affect the future of the present-day Southern Cape dramatically. The new normal should no doubt include a rethink of how we manage our environment at all levels, not only for exposure to wildfire risk, but, just as important, the way we manage human settlement, water security and biodiversity conservation.”

“As we commemorate the physical horror of the 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster, and now having to deal with the trauma of COVID-19, all stakeholders and communities in the Southern Cape will have to take hands, develop an understanding of what the future will force upon us, and plan ahead for a safer and more secure region,” concludes Otto.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Gerhard Otto: Head of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre
Cell: 081 469 9128
Email: gotto@gardenroute.gov.za

Herman Pieters: Senior Communications Officer: Garden Route District Municipality
Cell: 081 455 5699
Email: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Cobus Meiring: Chair of the Garden Route Environmental Forum Secretariat
Cell: 083 626 7619
Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

For Immediate Release
31 May 2020

The Garden Route has recorded five (5) COVID-19 deaths to date, 2 in George, 2 in Mossel Bay and 1 in Knysna. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 24 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 26 new positive COVID-19 cases – a total of 98 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.

The directives relating to Alert Level 3 was issued earlier this week. We are relieved that the Garden Route district was not identified as a hotspot area, although there were articles doing the rounds that indicated otherwise.

Tomorrow, 1 June 2020, the entire country moves to Alert Level 3 which is welcomed as an opportunity to begin to breathe new life into the economy. It is however important that all employers and employees adhere to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. Those employees who are able to work from home are urged to do so because by staying home it ensures that those who can’t work from home can return to work safely – this makes it possible for the number of people on public transport and in the workplace to be reduced and for social distancing to be maintained.

Below find a breakdown of the Garden Route District Command Centre cluster feedback for the past week.

HEALTH CLUSTER

HEALTH STATISTICS

Statistics from a week back compared to today, 31 May 2020

STATISTICS RELATING TO UNDERLYING DISEASES IN RELATION TO COVID-19 DEATHS IN THE WESTERN CAPE

Stay safe by adopting these prevention strategies

• Keep hydrated and monitor your blood glucose, blood pressure and temperature.
• Take your medication correctly as prescribed by your health worker. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before you touch your meds.
• If you are a stable patient, then you will get multi-month supplies from the health facility. Do not stop taking your medication unless the health worker tells you to. And never share your medication with anybody.
• Try to make time to do physical activities for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Keep your blood sugar levels as normal as possible (<5.5mmol) by eating healthy food. Have small regular meals.
• Find out what your healthy weight should be.

HEALTH: ESSENTIAL WORKERS

In the Cape Town metro area 204 essential workers receive transport from a total of 77 Red Dot taxi services. The Garden Route district will also see the roll-out of the same service for essential workers from 1 June 2020.

The figures shared on Friday, 29 May 2020 regarding screening are as follows:

The total number of people screened to date in the Garden Route district stands at 91 955. Of these, 486 have been referred for testing.

HEALTH: QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION FACILITIES

Two people are currently in quarantine and two in isolation at the PetroSA quarantine and isolation facility. There is space for 2092 people in private self-isolation facilities in the Garden Route at the moment

SAFETY AND SECURITY CLUSTER

• Exercise times have been extended from 06:00 till 18:00, but not for groups.
• Cross border travel under alert level 4 was allowed for only seven days, clarity has not been provided in terms of how it will work under alert level 3.
• Attendance of funerals is still the same as it was under alert level 4 for a maximum of 50 allowed.
• The current regulations indicate that all beaches must remain closed
• Faith-based gatherings will be allowed on Alert Level 3 for 50 or less people.
• All exercise centres will remain closed under Alert level 3.
• Lodges, game reserves, bed and breakfast establishments remain closed except those with tourists and those who provide quarantine and isolation beds and for people who need accommodation for business purposes
• Tourist attraction places remain closed
• Liquor will not be allowed for sale from Friday till Sunday or on public holidays.
• The sale of Tobacco remains prohibited

SOCIAL RELIEF CLUSTER

SOCIAL RELIEF: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

SOCIAL RELIEF: HOMELESS

The number of homeless people houses at shelters in the Garden Route district stands at 296.

SOCIAL RELIEF: SASSA

All SASSA offices in the Garden Route are operational. The public is reminded that Old Age grants will be paid on 3 June 2020 while Child Care grants will be paid on 5 June 2020.

According to SASSA, 6 million applications for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant have been received to date. The national minister is expected to provide a breakdown of the applications per province on 1 July 2020.

We appeal to those already receiving social grants not to apply as they are not eligible for the Special Covid-19 SRD Grant. It is only meant to benefit persons who are currently not receiving any form of income support from government. An applicant must be a South African Citizen, a permanent resident or refugee who is registered on the Home Affairs system and living within the borders of the Republic of South Africa.

People can apply in one of three ways:

• WhatsApp line: 082 046 8553
• USSD or SMS line: *134*7737#
• Online: srd@sassa.gov.za

The Garden Route District Command Centre have requested feedback about the R350 Covid-19 relief grant breakdown per ward. Once this information is available it will be shared.

EDUCATION CLUSTER

EDUCATION: SCHOOLS

Teachers have already been back at school and nationwide R50 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment have been purchased and supplied to schools around the country. Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Practitioners have been actively involved in educating and creating awareness at schools over the past week – view what the GRDM did here.

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND TOURISM CLUSTER

It is important to remember that the more businesses that are able to operate safely during the Alert Level 3, the sooner people can get working again, and the sooner there will be a  move towards an economic recovery in the Garden Route and the Western Cape.

R7 million of business relief funding have been approved for the Garden Route District through Business Partners (Johan Rupert funding), 267 jobs were saved. The Command Centre has requested confirmation in writing as well as break-up per municipal area.

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) approvals on the debt relief funds in the Garden Route and Central Karoo stands at R 4 373 391.77 with 16 SMMEs benefiting to date.

Successful applicants:

BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND TOURISM: GARDEN ROUTE FILM OFFICE

The Garden Route International Film Festivals (previously Knysna Film Festival) aim to launch drive-in cinemas in 8 towns by the end of Sept/beginning of October 2020. LED offices at municipalities have been requested to assist with identifying and securing locations.

For any questions on implementing safety guidelines in the workplace, businesses can email WESGRO: supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za

IMPORTANT TOOLS FOR BUSINESSES

Western Cape Government has created the following important tools for businesses to access during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• SupportFinder tool which helps businesses navigate and apply for the available financial relief packages,
• Jump for entrepreneurs smartphone app which provides valuable advice, networks and tools for those who run a business, or who wish to start a business,
• Tech Volunteers Programme which connects businesses who want to become more digital with industry experts for free two-hour advisory consultations, and
• #GoDigitalWC webinars which brings leading experts in digital technology and business transformation to present ideas and advice for SMMEs on how they can adapt and innovate during Covid-19.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

The Western Cape Government has made online resources available for employees and employers which can be accessed here:

For employers

• Read our health guidelines on preventing and managing Covid-19 infections in the workplace: westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections
• Download our Covid-19 safety information materials for the workplace such as posters, decals and checklists: westerncape.gov.za/resources
• Find Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers through our PPE marketplace: co.za/marketplace
• NEW!Report a positive case of Covid-19 in your workplace to the Western Cape Department of Health with this online form: westerncape.gov.za/reporting-covid-19-workplace

 For employees

• NEW! Read our FAQs on how you can stay safe in the workplace, and what your employer needs to do to ensure your safety:  westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/employees/frequently-asked-questions-employees
• Report businesses that are not following the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 using this online form: westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

PLEASE REMEMBER THESE FIVE GOLDEN RULES OF KEEPING SAFE 

1. Work from home if you can or if you are feeling unwell
2. Practice social distancing and stay 1.5 metres from others
3. Wash or sanitise hands regularly
4. Practice good hygiene
5. Wear face masks or a face covering when in public

Media Release: Seventh week of community screening and testing

For Immediate Release
29 May 2020

Community health workers across the Garden Route District have screened 92 441 people and referred 486 for testing as of 28 May 2020.

‘We would like to express our utmost appreciation and thanks to our health teams who have done great work under very challenging conditions to serve our communities by screening and educating as many people as possible,’ said District Manager, Mr Zee Brickles.

 Community screening and testing (CST) is in its seventh week and health teams have been to the most vulnerable communities. During the CST, the support of the community is essential for the success in stopping the spread of the virus.

‘We would like to thank our communities for allowing our health care workers to screen them. We remind our communities to adhere to our 5 golden rules of good hygiene as we move towards  the expected peak.  Please continue to support each other as this pandemic affects us all,’  said Brickles.

5 Golden Rules of Good Hygiene:

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
2. Keep surfaces clean.
3. Do not touch your face.
4. Cough and sneeze into your bent elbow.
5. Keep 1,5 m away from people and wear a mask when in public.

When facing a threat on a global scale, such as Covid-19, it is normal to feel anxious, scared, confused, and overwhelmed. Even more so with the overload of information available and our numbers of positive cases increasing in the Province. However, by limiting your exposure to other people, you can protect your family and yourself.  It is important that we stand together and that we support each other, especially our neighbours and friends who have tested positive for Covid-19. Anyone can be infected with Covid-19 and anyone can carry the virus, even without showing symptoms. The Coronavirus does not discriminate between age, gender, race, or disability. People who are especially vulnerable are those with underlying medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, TB, and HIV.  We should not stigmatise people who have tested positive. We must offer our support. Although you should avoid physical contact, you can support them by messaging or calling to ask how they are doing. As they and the rest of their household will be in isolation, you can offer to help by buying food or medication and dropping it off at their door. Remember, we are in this together and must support each other.

Garden Route screening statistics from 6 April to 28 May 2020

•  Bitou subdistrict: 18 634 people screened and 45 referred for testing
• George subdistrict: 16 769 people screened and 98 referred for testing
• Kannaland subdistrict: 3 039 people screened and 5 referred for testing
• Mossel Bay subdistrict: 15 081 people screened and 177 referred for testing
• Hessequa subdistrict: 18 934 people screened and 131 referred for testing
• Knysna subdistrict: 5 619 people screened and 20 referred for testing
• Oudtshoorn subdistrict: 14 365 people screened and 10 referred for testing

Community Screening and Testing for 1 to 5 June 2020:

 1 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield

• 2 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield
• 3 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma, Sedgefield
• 4 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Heidelberg, Pacaltsdorp, Alma
• 5 June: De Rust, Oudtshoorn, Dysselsdorp, Pacaltsdorp, Alma

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 044 533 3846