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2 July 2020 Media Release: Adhere to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation rules to limit the spread

Media Release: Adhere to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation rules to limit the spread

For Immediate Release
2 July 2020

The rate of community-based transmissions are on the rise. Provincial Government and Garden Route District Municipalities appeal to Garden Routers who have tested positive for COVID-19, or who have been identified as a close contact by the Department of Health to behave responsibly in order to limit the spread to others. The Garden Route has seen an increase of 197% of COVID-19 positive tests over the past 7 days.

The GRDM calls on residents who test positive for COVID-19 or suspect that they may have been exposed to the virus to please do their part in limiting further transmission.

Apart from health and hygiene protocols in place to avoid healthy persons from getting sick, there are also strict protocols set out for persons who contracted COVID-19. According to Mr Johan Compion, GRDM Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, “GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) conduct routine visits to those in self – quarantine or self – isolation to ensure that they adhere to the regulated COVID-19 protocols.” “

“There is an obligation on persons who have been exposed to the virus to ensure that they behave in a manner that limits the risk to those around them,” said Compion.

Mr Gerhard Otto, Chairperson of the Garden Route Command Centre and Head of Disaster Management at GRDM, said: “If a person who tested positive for COVID-19 is found in the public, he or she can be prosecuted for attempt to murder”.

“During April 2020, a 52-year-old salon owner in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, was charged with attempted murder for intentionally spreading the coronavirus after he exposed 27 people to the virus following his refusal to isolate after testing positive,” said Otto. “The Police arrested the man, who was escorted to hospital for treatment while under detention. If convicted, he could face 10 years or more in jail.”

Persons are required to go into quarantine if they have no symptoms, but had close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Isolation is required where a person is not feeling well with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. If someone is unable to go into self- quarantine or isolation, the person will be referred to the official government sponsored PetroSA West Campus facility that has been equipped to provide persons placed in quarantine or isolation with the full basket of services i.e. food, health services, laundry services etc.

CONTINUED AWARENESS

‘Much of the awareness by local municipalities is on the behaviour required to avoid transmission or to limit the spread of COVID-19 when out in public. This is done by making use of radio, loud hailing, social media, WhatsApp groups, Municipal apps, the distribution of newsletters, flyers and posters.

District and Local municipal communicators urge the general public to please:

  • Avoid contact with other people as much as Do not receive visitors. Open windows and doors. If in same room as others, keep at least 1.5 – 2 meters apart.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces at work (phones, counters, table, doorknobs, bathroom surfaces).
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve/elbow (not your hands) when coughing/sneezing. Immediately discard used tissues and wash your hands.
  • Frequently wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more at a time. Do this especially before handling food/after using toilet or coughing/sneezing. Avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding – after using these, wash them well.
  • Continue to wear a face mask when leaving home.

Any person who requires assistance with accessing such a facility should contact the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102.

Garden Routers are also reminded that, in line with the new risk-stratified strategy adopted in the Western Cape, only persons who are deemed high risk are being tested.

This includes

  • persons with known co-morbidities and those older than 55, as they are more likely to develop complications that require hospitalisation
  • healthcare workers
  • persons admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms to ensure that we are able to manage appropriately
ENDS

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

30 June 2020 Speech by Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen – Garden Route DM Council Meeting

Thank you very much for this opportunity.  I’m going to firstly deal with what we are busy with on a daily basis, which is known as the COVID-19 pandemic.  We’re reaching our peak as the Garden Route District.  We must do what we’ve been asked to do – to keep our social distance, to wear masks in public, and now parents in our region also need to face the fact that within a week schools will open for more learners. This means that there might be an increase in COVID-19 infection rates, but rest assured,  schools have put the required measures in place to ensure the safety of learners.

We’re also aware that some of us have lost loved ones – our heartfelt condolences go out to all those affected.  Also, the economy and the lockdown regulations have unfortunately had an impact on the economy.  We appreciate that the economy has been opened a little bit.  But, in our case, we’re disappointed that the George Airport has not been given the thumbs-up to become fully operational.  A lot of people from Johannesburg commute here on a weekly basis, and some businesses transport goods here too.  That National Government, however, did not give the go-ahead for the George Airport to be opened to ensure that our economy gets back on its feet again.  This is unfortunate whilst we deal with COVID-19.

Another pressing matter is gender-based violence which continues to plague our people on a daily basis.  We, as men, really need to occupy our rightful place to protect our women and children.  The Garden Route District Men’s Parliament is back in full swing to deal with the issues at hand.  Also want to say thank you to “Love George” – also on board to deal with this matter and with many other humanitarian matters.  We’ve also had discussions with Love George and requested that they spread its wings to assist the entire Garden Route and perhaps rename themselves to “Love Garden Route”.

Thank you.

30 June 2020 Media Release: Alderman/Alderlady status conferred upon seven (7) Councillors of the Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: Alderman/Alderlady status conferred upon seven (7) Councillors of the Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
30 June 2020

Municipal Honours was bestowed on seven (7) Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Councillors, who are now officially recognised as Alderman Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor), Alderman Barend Groenewald (Speaker), Alderlady Rosina Ruiters (Deputy Executive Mayor), Alderman Stephen De Vries, Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans, Alderman Virgil Gericke and Alderman Pieter Van Der Hoven.

This was the number of Councillors who met the minimum criteria of 10 points J set out in section 5(10)(a) of a GRDM policy approved by Council on 27 May 2020. The conferment ceremony took place at a council meeting today, 30 June 2020 in view of the GRDM Council – some at the Council Chambers, others via Zoom.

The bestowment of Alderman or Alderlady statuses occurs upon the commencement of a Councillor’s term as Executive Mayor, Executive Deputy Mayor or Speaker of Council. Furthermore, any Councillor who obtains a minimum of ten (10) points on the following scale, also qualifies for the conferment: One (1) point for every year of service as a Councillor at one or more municipalities and it need not be continuous; and one (1) additional point for every year of service as a member of the Mayoral Committee.

Aldermen/Alderladies also receive the following privileges:

  • provision of a special parking space in the municipal parking area on prior arrangement;
  • provision of agendas even after retirement in electronic format if so required;
  • Alderman/Alderlady is kept on municipal invitation lists; and
  • reserving of special seats at Council Meetings should a member so wish; issuing of an Honorary certificate.

The conferment of Councillors to Alderman or Alderlady has not happened at GRDM over the past 10 years, which is a highlight for the 2016/2021 term of Council.

Feature image caption: Executive Mayor Memory Booysen (left) receives his certificate confirming his conferment of Alderman status by Speaker Barend Groenewald (right).

iStock.com/ra2studio

29 June 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 29 June 2020

For Immediate Release
29 June 2020


GARDEN ROUTE HEALTH PLATFORM UPDATE

As Covid-19 cases are increasing in the Garden Route, we should all do our part and adhere to the 5 Golden Rules:

• Keep 1,5 meters away from others (social distancing) and wear a cloth mask when you go out
• Wash your hand often with water and soap or handsanitiser
• Do not touch your face
• Cough and sneeze in the fold of your arm or in a tissue
• Stay home when sick

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 55 cases; 18 recoveries
Knysna 142 cases; 89 recoveries
George 460 cases; 168 recoveries
Hessequa 20 cases; 17 recoveries
Kannaland 5 cases; 3 recoveries
Mossel Bay 175 cases; 68 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 58 cases; 23 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 20 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 1
Mossel Bay 2
George 12
Knysna 4
Bitou 1

Hospitalisation

There are currently 44 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 5 in ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 121 095 people have been screened and 635 referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.

PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 53 people in isolation.

What should I bring with me to a quarantine or isolation facility?

Favourite snack or treats, clothes and pyjamas, toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries, towels, face cloths and soap. A phone charger if you have a phone, chronic medication something that reminds you of your loved ones e.g family photo, books magazines or crafts.

What can I expect?

• Transport to and from the facility
• A room and access to a bathroom
• Regular meals
• To monitor and report your symptoms
• To stay in touch with your loved ones using your own phone
• To clean your own room
• Laundry facility
• Rules to protect other guests and staff e.g. not leaving your room
• No visitors will be allowed
• No alcohol or drugs will be allowed
• Advice from your health and social worker on returning home

Primary healthcare

Although we urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.
-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846

Picture credit: iStock.com/ra2studio

28 June 2020 Weekly update on the Corona virus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

Weekly update on the Corona virus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre

For Immediate Release
28 June 2020

The Garden Route has recorded nineteen (19) COVID-19 deaths to date – twelve in George, one in Mossel Bay, four in Knysna, one in Hessequa and one in Bitou. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Since 21 June 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 312 new COVID-19 positive cases. The Garden Route has now recorded 386 recoveries. While most people who get infected with Covid-19 will recover at home or at one of our comfortable quarantine or isolation facilities, some patients will require hospitalisation and medical care.The total number of people referred for further testing since the start of community screening stands at 635 – a total number of 121 095 have been screened to date. It is important to remember for the public to stay home if they feel sick and to call the hotline number, 021 928 4102, for advice on what to do next.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers.

This week was also the first week for MEC Tertuis Simmers to attend the Garden Route District Command Council’s weekly Friday session where he plays an oversight role in the District’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 Coronavirus. MEC Simmers said: “It is noteworthy to observe how the Garden Route District Municipality, and the 7 B-municipalities (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and George), have worked together with the Western Cape Government and other role players to ensure that all areas are focused on the objectives of defeating the spread of the COVID-19 virus”.

COVID-19 Statistics for the Garden Route

Cases
(21/06)		 Recoveries
(21/06)		 Cases
(28/06)		 Recoveries
(28/06)
Bitou 33 17 55 (+22) 18 (+1)
George 289 122 460 (+171) 168 (+44)
Hessequa 20 15 20 (0) 17 (+2)
Kannaland 3 2 5 (+2) 3 (+1)
Knysna 116 71 142 (+26) 89 (+18)
Mossel Bay 104 38 175 (+71) 68(+30)
Oudtshoorn 37 15 58 (+21) 23 (+8)
Totals 603 280 915 (+312) 386 (+106)

Visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard for live updates.

Garden Route District Men’s Parliament

Executive Mayor for GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen provided an overview of what was discussed at the recently held Men’s Parliament, specifically on the issue around Gender-Based Violence. Listen to what he said here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hVXGrWiJkw

George midwife shares her COVID-19 experience

Alida (58), a midwife at George Hospital, survived COVID-19 while living with her comorbidities of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She also had a stroke a year ago. ‘I made it,’ she said. Read more here: Press Release

Home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19

The Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners visited 100 people over the past week who had tested positive and found that only 2 people did not adhere to the rules and regulations.

During visits to COVID-19 positive persons, Environmental Health Practitioners maintain social distancing and engages with patients outside their homes. This is done in a discrete manner that doesn’t create suspicion to surrounding community members. Read more here: Press Release

EPWP essential workers to assist at COVID-19 hotspots in the Garden Route

All participants will perform their duties under the supervision of the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Their activities will include the following:

  • health promotion on COVID-19 prevention, hand washing practices and social distancing measures in public places;
  • distribution of hygiene soap and hand sanitizers in identified high risk communities, education on proper handwashing techniques;
  • home-to-home education interventions, where required; and
  • cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched high-risk areas, e.g. communal water collection points, taxi ranks and other places identified by the applicable municipality.

Read more here: Press Release

Stay safe. Save Lives.

  • Regular handwashing and hygiene measures which include coughing into your elbow or a tissue, regular cleaning of surfaces at home or at work, and not touching your face.
  • Stay at home whenever possible. Do not go to places where groups of people gather unless necessary. Do not visit family or friends to socialise as this could put everyone at risk.
  • Always keeping a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and any other person when you are not at home. This includes in the workplace, in queues, on public transport or anywhere where people gather.
  • Wearing a clean, cloth mask whenever you leave home. Wearing your mask correctly and at all times, not only protects you but can prevent you from making others sick.
  • Stay at home if you feel sick.
  • Seek medical care if you experience shortness of breath
  • If you are over the age of 55 or you have an underlying illness, you are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. It is therefore important that you take extra precautions and stay home wherever possible.
  • Those who are healthy should assist those at higher risk with tasks like shopping or errands that require them to leave the house.

The Western Cape Department of Health found that the following risk factors are most prevalent for people who succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus in the region. A shift in testing strategy to prioritise persons most at risk for severe disease, therefore include:

  • Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment
  • Cancer on treatment
  • TB on treatment
  • HIV with poor adherence to ARVs
  • Chronic lung disease on treatment (e.g. asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis)

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

People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract Covid-19.

Those most at risk include those who are:

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

 

 

26 June 2020 Media Release: Home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19 – First contact counselling and tracing

Media Release: Home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19 – First contact counselling and tracing

For immediate release
26 June 2020

Home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19 – First contact counselling and tracing

As previously explained, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) are frontline officers and critical role-players in fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the Garden Route District.  Statistics on the total number of tests undertaken, new positive cases identified and total recoveries are daily being reported by the Outbreak Response team (provincial & private hospitals) to the GRDM Municipal Health Services in the district. To act rapidly, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by the different local Outbreak Response teams in collaboration with the GRDM EHPs.

In other words, when a person tested positive for the Coronavirus, the EHPs in the district and officials from the Western Cape Department of Health makes contact with that person and in most cases, are able to trace those who have been in close contact with the infected person. The following procedures are what individuals can expect when an EHP of the GRDM visits their home.

After receiving a notification from the Provincial National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD ) regarding a COVID-19 positive case, the EHP must verify the information and particulars of the patient before commencing with the interview.  It is of utmost importance  that the officials wear the correct PPEs, including the N95 mask and the relevant glasses during the home visit.

Both parties need to adhere to and maintain the social distancing protocol.  The patient must be addressed outside his house or in an open area. Officials must also be discreet in their approach and conversation, not to alert the surrounding neighbours.

At the moment of arrival, the EHP must identify him/herself and explain the purpose of the visit. During the interview, the patient has to wear a mask or a mask must be supplied should the affected person not have one. The conversation starts with the first contact counselling procedure (including giving him/her results /informing him or her about the disease and precautionary measures to take to stop the spread).

The first contact counselling and tracing are done by determining the contact a patient has with close and casual contacts (household and work contacts).  It is imperative that counselling is given to all occupants of the affected household. The suitability of the COVID-19 positive tested person’s home for isolation purposes is also determined at this time.

The importance of self-isolation and adherence to the prescribed 14 days isolation period must be emphasised during the visit. In conclusion, the patient may request to be provided with a letter to confirm the last day of isolation from the Western Cape Government Department of Health or a local GP.

28/06/20 Severe Weather Alert

The Cape Town Weather Services has issued the following severe weather alert:

Hazard: Damaging Winds
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 25/06/20 09h00
Valid To (SAST): 28/06/20 00h00

Watch: Strong to Gale force (60-80km/h) northwesterly to westerly winds are expected along the coastal regions between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Plettenberg Bay during Saturday (27/06/2020).  Advisory: Strong (50-60km/h) north-westerly winds are expected over the Central and Garden Route (W.Cape) today (25/06/2020), as well as on Saturday (27/06/2020) and including the Cape Metropole.

Hazard: High Seas
Alert Level: Watch
Valid From (SAST): 27/06/20 00h00
Valid To (SAST): 28/06/20 00h00

High seas with wave heights from 6 to 9m are expected between Lamberts Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday, subsiding by Sunday afternoon (27-28/06/2020).

25 June 2020 Media Release: George midwife shares her COVID-19 experience

Media Release: George midwife shares her COVID-19 experience

For Immediate Release
25 June 2020

Bleach stains on all her furniture is a stern reminder of Alida Portland’s COVID-19 journey.

Alida (58), a midwife at George Hospital, has survived, with her comorbidities of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She also had a stroke a year ago. ‘I made it,’ she said.

Delighted to be back at work, Alida shares her COVID-19 journey. “My first symptoms were a sore throat, pressure on my chest and a cough. I immediately had myself tested and went into isolation. The results came two days later. I was positive.”

Her initial reaction was of shock and anxiety. “I was very scared,” says Alida. She lives with her son, 23, who took care of her while he isolated with her as he was one of her close contacts.

“He made sure I had a bucket of clean water, a bucket of water and bleach to clean my hands, and a separate bucket for my eating utensils. He also prepared my food when I did not feel up to the task and brought it on a tray. I felt really ill on day three with immense chest pressure. I was, however, in constant contact with the contact tracing team in George, my manager. and hospital management. Everyone made sure I was being monitored and I really felt that I could press on their button any time of the day.”

Alida says that being in isolation can become lonely. “Loneliness is a big factor during your COVID-19 journey. Two weeks might not seem long, but confined to your bedroom or only certain parts of your home, this can be become a very long and lonely journey. I made sure to be in constant contact with family and friends on WhatsApp. Sadly, we also lost two extended family members due to COVID-19 during my isolation, which was especially difficult for me. Mourning without other family was extremely difficult to go through, but our online counselling support network through government meant I could tap into professional help to assist me during this time,” explains Alida.

When asked what she did to assist her body in healing, she lists eating healthy, drinking enough fluids, getting lots of sunlight, and a positive mindset.

Alida expresses her concern with the behaviour of some members of the public. “People need to realise that COVID-19 can cause serious illness in some, and to protect those people, we need to take all the necessary precautions. We need to change our behaviour.” As someone with comorbidities who had a high risk of severe COVID-19, she urges residents in the Western Cape to protect the vulnerable by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask when they leave their homes.

She laughs when she explains the white bleach stains on all her furniture. “My son was determined to keep all our common areas clean, including parts of furniture I might have touched. This led to white bleach stains on some of our furniture pieces. I had such a laugh – he was the best nurse a nurse could ask for.”

-END-

Photo caption: Alida shares her story.

Contact:

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za