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Media Release: Statistical Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

20 May 2020

As of 1pm on 20 May, the Western Cape has 5967 active cases, 11072 total confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection and 5105 recoveries.

 Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 11072
Total recoveries 5105
Total deaths 211
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 5967
Total number of tests 100 721
Patients in hospital Hospitalizations- 470

High care/ICU- 143

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

 Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 1167 621
Southern 1157 444
Northern 680 326
Tygerberg 1781 907
Eastern 998 527
Klipfontein 1280 592
Mitchells Plain 1095 504
Khayelitsha 1505 728

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 10 6
Garden Route Knysna 25 17
Garden Route George 29 17
Garden Route Hessequa 8 7
Garden Route Mossel Bay 29 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 6 3
Garden Route Kannaland 1 0
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 77 29
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 163 58
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 58 36
Cape Winelands Langeberg 6 4
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 211 171
Overberg Overstrand 22 16
Overberg Cape Agulhas 2 2
Overberg Swellendam 8 3
Overberg Theewaterskloof 18 6
West Coast Bergrivier 17 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 21 5
West Coast Swartland 30 14
West Coast Cederberg 1 0
West Coast Matzikama 1 0
Central Karoo Beaufort West 1 0
       

There are currently 680 unallocated cases and 42 recoveries.

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 28 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 211. We extend our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Weekly Digital Press Conference with Premier Winde, Minister Nomafrench Mbombo, Director-General Harry Malila, and HOD Dr Keith Cloete

Our weekly press conference was held this afternoon. You can find the full press release here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/our-priority-protect-vulnerable-and-those-high-risk-our-curve-rises

Media Release: Statement by Premier Alan Winde – Our priority is to protect the vulnerable and those at high risk as our curve rises

 

20 May 2020

In my briefing to you two weeks ago, the data showed us that community transmission of Covid-19 had become entrenched, with the virus spreading faster in certain geographic areas, mainly in the City of Cape Town and the Witzenberg region.

This was a new phase that we had entered, where the number of infections would climb at a faster rate, pushing our curve up towards a peak.

This is precisely what will continue to happen in the weeks ahead, and which will happen around the country, a few weeks after us.  That is why we have worked around the clock to make sure that our healthcare system is prepared for the peak, and that everyone who needs medical attention can receive it when they need it. (I released a full briefing of our preparedness yesterday, which can be viewed here).

Last week, I set out our Whole of Government Hotspot Strategy, through which we will use the combined impact of all our government departments and resources, including the efforts of other government spheres, to intervene in a targeted manner in areas of higher transmission. These efforts are designed to slow the spread as much as possible, protect vulnerable people who are at high risk, and ultimately, to save lives.

This is our number one mission.

This week, our Provincial Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo and Head of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, set out how our health response will work in this targeted hotspot strategy. Our focus here is to protect vulnerable people who are at high risk, and to prevent deaths. We cannot stop the virus from spreading, and many people will be infected countrywide. Those at high risk need to be protected.

The current status in the Cape Metro is as follows:

  • We are on the upward part of the curve as per the nature of the pandemic and are expecting to see case numbers increase more rapidly, with associated increases in hospitalisation and deaths.
  • The transmission has been concentrated around essential services clusters (which have been permitted to operate under all levels of lockdown), care homes and in geographical areas where people who work in these clusters live and this has mostly been in the poorest communities in Cape Town. Our hotspot intervention strategy focusses our combined efforts in these targeted areas.
  • Testing/ lab capacity is under severe strain. The National Health Laboratory, which is mandated to perform all public tests, simply doesn’t have the capacity to test enough, and return tests quickly enough, for us to intervene with speed as these numbers grow.
  • We are scaling up isolation and quarantine off-site, but this will reach its limit soon as the number of infections rise in line with the ascending curve.
  • The number of undetected cases will continue to grow unless major increases in testing capacity is provided.

The status update for the Cape Winelands is as follows:

  • The Cape Winelands District is showing evidence of multiple clusters and fast spread, which started in Witzenberg 3 weeks ago, and has moved into Drakenstein, Stellenbosch and Breede Valley, in the past 2 weeks.
  • Early clusters have emerged in Overberg (Theewaterskloof and Swellendam), and West Coast (Swartland), during this past week, while there are still many areas with no cases or sporadic cases only.
  • Testing/ lab capacity strain is impacting on the ability of these Rural areas to detect cases early and move to aggressive isolation and quarantine interventions.
  • Ability to isolate and quarantine off-site will be scaled up rapidly across the Rural areas.
  • These areas are projected to have a smaller number of undetected cases, and aggressive testing is still indicated.
  • There is still great value of individual case detection and contact tracing.

Given these observations, resource constraints, and the scientific reality that the virus cannot be stopped, our targeted health hotspot response in the Metro will now be focused on the following initiatives:

  • Streamline testing and contact tracing activities to focus on high risk groups such as health workers and old age homes.
  • Emphasise case management with a view to early detection of deterioration in health status through risk stratification.
  • Increased focus on mass communication and building agency for behaviour change – individuals and organisations (across sectors). We need residents to show greater compliance with the rules and recommendations set out by government through lasting behaviour change.
  • Re-purpose Community Screening and Testing, and Community Health Workers, towards this goal and strengthen workplace/ institutional agency with a focus on prevention through inter-sectoral action.
  • Community Screening and Testing focused on reaching high risk groups such as the elderly and those with co-morbid conditions.
  • Continue to focus on the strength of our health system including utilising testing appropriately in the clinical environment.

What does this mean for the hotspot strategy?

  • The Health Strategy will be aligned to the risk stratified case management approach (where we target those at greater risk), in areas with established community transmission.
  • The identification of appropriate people for admission to designated isolation and quarantine facilities will have to be nuanced, in light of the testing capacity challenges, together with exploration of viable and feasible community-based isolation models (via community initiatives).
  • Behaviour change in terms of social distancing, hand and surface hygiene and universal mask wearing, targeted on all areas of gathering in hotspot areas will be the key drive.
  • Nuanced, agile, pro-active and adaptive responses are required in the local community spaces (in each of the local areas)
  • The rate of increase of transmission per ward and suburb will be carefully tracked over the next 6-8 weeks to assess its effectiveness.

To put it simply, we are going to up our targeted approach. Given the limited testing capacity in South Africa, we are going to utilise a more efficient approach to ensure maximum impact, by community screening and testing in hotspots to quickly identify those who may infected and who are at highest risk.

We will also use our testing to make sure we get results for those patients in hospitals so that we can quickly know whether they have Covid-19. This is important to ensure the correct treatment.

Global data, and our local experience tells us that some 90% of people will not require hospitalisation, only experiencing a mild illness. However, some 10% require hospitalisation, and around 1,8% will die. But remember – and this is important to bear in mind – this also means that 98.2% will survive this.

Of those that die, 96% have an underlying health condition such as HIV, Diabetes, Hypertension and Tuberculosis. We need to protect these people, and those of more advanced age, in the weeks ahead as the virus spreads and we move up the curve, towards the peak.

Indeed, our risk projections for the general population in the Western Cape, based on available data, indicates that those who are older (over 55), and those who have one or more comorbidities are at highest risk. This is where we must focus our attention in the weeks ahead.

This health response will also be combined with interventions by other leading departments in the Western Cape Government, and local government partners such as the City of Cape Town and SAPS, including the following additional responses:

  • Economic Response
  • Safety Response
  • Food security & Humanitarian Response
  • Places and Spaces Response
  • Transport Response
  • Resource management

See Premier Winde’s statement on Hotspot Strategy here for further details.

Behaviour change key for general population to slow the spread

A key component of this plan is the need to effect behavior change, so that people adapt to the “new normal”. Covid-19 is going to be around for some time, and we need to learn to live in ways that slows the spread and protects vulnerable people at highest risk. While many people will only have a mild illness, they could pass it onto someone who could get seriously ill and die.

That is why it is so important to treat every individual, small business and community group as a partner. We must work with them, not against them, together towards a shared objective of slowing the spread and protecting vulnerable and high-risk individuals.

We will therefore also ramp up our communications campaign, using a variety of additional tools, and we will leverage existing community leadership and community networks, available public infrastructure, and faith based organisations to help us land these messages in identified hotspots.

We simply cannot do it alone. Every single person can help us in our effort, by staying home as much as possible, keeping a distance at all times, avoiding gatherings of people wherever it may occur, by always following the golden rules of good hygiene, and by properly wearing a clean cloth mask whenever out in public.

Also, if you get sick, you should stay home because you will end up infecting others if you leave the house. If you however battle to breath you must seek urgent healthcare. You can get advice on our dedicated hotline: 021 928 4102.

Moving to level 3 in conjunction with targeted hotspot plan

We cannot return to “business as usual”, and I will not support that as Premier of this province. We will continue to lead major interventions, as set out above, in hotspot areas to protect vulnerable communities and to save lives. This is our top priority.

However, we cannot look at this response in isolation of the economic devastation and subsequent humanitarian crisis that is already developing. Even if we lift restrictions now, over 200 000 jobs are going to be lost in the Western Cape alone.

If we stay on Alert Level 4, it will be even greater as more and more businesses close and people become unemployed. This will indirectly impact millions of people across our province.

We have no choice but to allow more economic activity over time, in a safe and responsible manner, so that people don’t starve. If we do not do this, lives will be lost in the future.

This does not have to be a zero-sum game. We can care for sick people now and intervene rigorously in areas to slow the spread and save lives, while still allowing for the economy to open over-time so that people can feed themselves and their families.

This is the responsibility of a caring government, and it is a responsibility I take seriously.

20 May 2020 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners – Garden Route DM’s frontline workers

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners – Garden Route DM’s frontline workers

For Immediate Release
20 May 2020

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are working in the frontline through communities and workplaces, among others, to promote health and safety protocols that aim to address the spread of COVID-19. The National Health Act 61 of 2003 makes provision for a single national health system that includes EHPs who play a vital role in the management of pandemics.

“The roles and responsibilities of EHPs in response to COVID- 19 is significant and extensive.  EHPs employed at GRDM continue their work as essential workers during this COVID-19 pandemic and they are doing an excellent job in our sub-districts. I take my hat off to all our EHPs who work in the frontline – many of them have families at home who worry about them too and we are grateful for their selfless service, dedication and compassion,” said GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen.

Executive Manager Community Services Mr Clive Africa echoed Mayor Booysen’s sentiments and added that the “monitoring of the disinfection of high risk areas is also done by GRDM EHPs. Local municipalities are responsible for the disinfection of  communal and public toilets, taxi ranks and marketplaces, sidewalks, municipal properties, state owned properties, private properties, and camping sites.”

With their usual responsibilities, education by means of awareness programmes and visits to businesses have increased a lot. “GRDM EHPs have increased their education and awareness programmes in a bid to reduce the number of persons that could become exposed to COVID-19,” said Mr Johan Compion, Manager GRDM Municipal Health Services.

“When the risk of COVID-19 became more apparent, EHPs started distributing thousands of pamphlets and posters at shopping malls, supermarkets, food stores, spaza shops and to informal food traders,” Compion said.

Awareness about COVID-19 has been done through promoting proper hand washing techniques, social distancing, cough etiquette, cleaning, sanitising and continual disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.

EHPs also participate daily in the outbreak response teams activated at provincial and district levels by performing a range of activities, including:

  • ensure decontamination and disinfection of affected homes
  • contact tracing of those infected and their close contacts
  • monitoring of the management of the human remains and disposal of the dead
  • monitoring of the management of health care waste.

GRDM we would like to again extend a word of gratitude to our EHP essential workers out in the field leading the fight against the COVID-19 disease.

ENDS

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

Media Alert: Premier Winde to hold digital press conference on WC response to COVID-19

MEDIA ALERT BY ALAN WINDE

PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE

Date: 20 May 2020

Release: immediately

Premier Winde to hold digital press conference on WC response to COVID-19

Today, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, will hold a digital press conference over Microsoft Teams which will outline its targeted hotspot strategy being implemented in the Western Cape.

Premier Winde will be joined by Director General Harry Malila, Provincial Minister of Health Nomafrench Mbombo, Head of Health in the Western Cape, Dr Keith Cloete and Dr Melvin Moodley who is the Director of Strategy at the Department of Health.

Date: Today, 20 May 2020

Time: 14:30 – 16:00

Digital platform: Microsoft Teams

 Please confirm your attendance in by 10am and provide your name, surname, the name of your publication and your email address to be added to Microsoft Teams.  We will provide you with a meeting invite to the briefing, upon your confirmation.

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde – 4363 residents have recovered from Covid-19 in the Western Cape

19 May 2020

As of 1pm on 19 May, the Western Cape has 6195 active cases, 10558 total confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection and 4363 recoveries.

 Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 10558
Total recoveries 4363
Total deaths 183
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 6195
Total number of tests 96991
Patients in hospital Hospitalizations- 440

High care/ICU- 128

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

 Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 1127 545
Southern 1123 390
Northern 671 289
Tygerberg 1721 760
Eastern 983 478
Klipfontein 1257 514
Mitchells Plain 1068 384
Khayelitsha 1420 603
Total 10558 4363

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 9 6
Garden Route Knysna 25 16
Garden Route George 27 16
Garden Route Hessequa 8 7
Garden Route Mossel Bay 27 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 5 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 73 28
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 160 40
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 50 35
Cape Winelands Langeberg 6 4
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 210 157
Overberg Overstrand 24 15
Overberg Cape Agulhas 2 2
Overberg Swellendam 11 4
Overberg Theewaterskloof 21 4
West Coast Bergrivier 19 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 21 4
West Coast Swartland 29 11
     

Unallocated: 457

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 18 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 183. We extend our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

The scientific reason for the Lockdown has been to prepare our health system for the peak

Today I provided a detailed updated on our government’s preparations for the Covid-19 pandemic. The scientific reason for the Lockdown, and which has been made clear by experts, was to buy us time to prepare for the peak that will inevitably come. The virus cannot be stopped and will continue to spread throughout the country.

We have been working around the clock to make sure that we are prepared and that every resident that requires healthcare gets it when they need it. This has included:

  • R725.5 million has been committed towards Covid-19 related expenditure across the Western Cape Government.
  • We have established a dedicated Coronavirus Provincial Hotline for residents to call, that has received a total of 28 500 calls since 16 March 2020. On average it receives 500 calls a day.
  • The conversion of the CTICC into a temporary hospital facility that will provide some 850 additional beds at the peak of the pandemic is well underway.
  • In total, this facility will include 4 wards – a mixed staffing model of temporary appointments, temporary re-deployment of staff, agency staff (medical -, infectious disease -, emergency – and internal medicine specialists and volunteers will be applied at the facility).
  • It is estimated that 200 admissions and 200 discharges will be managed per day during the peak.
  • We will open additional temporary hospitals along the R300 in the Metro, in Khayelitsha and in the Cape Winelands that collectively provide an additional 616 beds.
  • This is in addition to the Western Cape’s 2 162 (includes 658 through expansion) general care beds and 150 ICU beds that exist in Central and Regional Hospitals across the province.
  • We have opened 18 testing and triage centres (12 are already operational) to provide additional support at these facilities.
  • We have 3888 Community Health Workers operating across our province, with a further 464 due to start work soon
  • We have increased the number of tests from 7 975 on 1 April to 94 275 on 18 May. This is an increase of 1182%. This represents a testing ratio of 1347.27 per 100 000, the highest in the country.
  • Using our targeted hotspot approach, we have screened 473 348 people, and referred 12 095 people for testing.
  • We launched an online screening tool which has assisted in screening 62 200 people.
  • We have recruited 1 645 volunteers to support our healthcare workers when this peak arrives.
  • We have ordered R350 487 835.00 million worth of PPE so that our healthcare workers have the protection they need to care for every sick person. We aim to procure R550 million worth of PPE over the course of the pandemic.
  • In the public sector we have provided 86 129 flu vaccinations thus far – 65 670 vaccinations to vulnerable groups of people and 20 459 vaccinations to healthcare workers.
  • Since the pandemic, we have de-escalated non-essential operations at our healthcare facilities in the Western Cape, which has freed up existing ward capacity in these hospitals (Central and Regional – in relation to the 2 162 general beds and 150 ICU beds) to care for Covid-19.
  • We have 432 ventilators and have ordered an additional 100 ventilators to be used at the peak and use our current piped medical gas for high-flow oxygen treatment.
  • We have 19 Quarantine and Isolation facilities available offering 2365 beds.
  • We are activating an additional 9 facilities which will realise an additional 2292 beds.
  • We have launched the Red Dot Transport Service, that through 100 minibus taxis, will transport healthcare workers home when their shift ends at 19h00, given the limitation on the public transport system to operate after 19h00.
  • The Red Dot Transport Service will also safely transport those who test positive for Covid-19 to facilities if they cannot isolate safely at home and others to quarantine facilities should they need it.

For more information on what we have done across government departments, visit the following link: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/western-cape-has-prepared-its-healthcare-system-peak-and-must-move-level-3-conjunction-targeted

This is precisely why, that given our robust healthcare system preparation and that we will continue to rigorously intervene in hotspots, we must open more of our economy over time. Not allowing this to happen will threaten lives in the future as an unpreceded humanitarian crisis unfolds, and this cannot be ignored by any level of government.

I want to again reiterate that this cannot be done alone. We need the help of every single person in our team effort to slow the spread, and “flatten the curve”. When you keep yourself safe, through practicing good hygiene, keeping your distance, and wearing a mask properly, you help keep vulnerable people who are at higher risk safe too. Your actions can save lives, and we need every person to continue to be our partner in this Covid-19 response.

Media Release: Contractors on site to ensure speedy housing handover

Media Release

CONTRACTORS ON SITE TO ENSURE SPEEDY HOUSING HANDOVER

19 May 2020

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says he is pleased to see that progress is being made at the construction sites he has visited so far.

Minister Simmers said: “Concluding another visit to the Forest Village project in Eersteriver, yesterday and visiting the Vlakkeland and Dal Josafat projects in the Drakenstein municipality, which is part of the Cape Winelands District Municipality today, I am convinced that our beneficiaries will not have to wait too long before moving into their homes.

Forest Village will within the next few weeks deliver 267 units, while 64 will be ready for handover in Vlakkeland. Other Districts, such as the Overberg, Garden Route, West Coast, and Cape Metro are also ensuring that minor repairs are speedily concluded.

We remain committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable, which includes the elderly, disabled, backyard dwellers and those longest on the housing waiting list

The Cape Winelands District Municipality, after the Cape Metro, has the second highest COVID-19 infection rate in the Western Cape, with 456 cases. The majority of their cases being in Witzenberg, with 205 and Drakenstein, with 134. The immediate occupancy of homes will assist in fighting COVID-19, as it will help to maintain social distancing, while strengthening the practice of effective and good hygiene.

As much as Alert level 5 denied our beneficiaries the opportunity to move into their homes sooner, we have a chance to ensure that there are no further and unnecessary delays. I call on beneficiaries to be a little more patient and allow the contractors to apply the finishing touches to their homes.

We have much to look forward to and I cannot wait to share this joyous occasion with our people.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

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

Media Release: Opening private sector construction critical to saving over 100 000 jobs

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 19 May 2020

Release: immediately

Note to media – Minister Maynier will be visiting a construction site in Cape Town impacted by Alert Level 4 restrictions this afternoon.
If any media would like to receive video, photos and soundbytes from the site visit, please do contact me.

Opening private sector construction critical to saving over 100 000 jobs

An urgent review of the restrictions on the private sector construction is required if we are to avoid a collapse of the construction sector in South Africa.

And so, today (19 May 2020), I have written a letter to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, with an attached submission, requesting that under Alert Level 4 restrictions, construction be allowed to expand operations beyond public sector engineering and construction, to include commercial, industrial and private residential construction, together with construction by public entities, and to permit the upscaling of manufacturing of construction supplies beyond 50 per cent sector employment. These proposals incorporate aspects of the draft Alert Level 3 and 2 provisions – all of which we believe can safely be implemented immediately.

It is estimated the impact on the construction sector of the Covid-19 pandemic could cost the Western Cape 111 416 direct and indirect jobs in 2020, and a loss of R14.9 billion in income to people employed in this sector. Opening up private construction as soon as possible, which we believe can safely be done under Alert Level 4, will help prevent these job losses.

The construction sector is a vital component of the South African economy. In 2019, the sector was valued at R172 billion in South Africa and contributed approximately R32 billion to the Western Cape’s total gross value added.

The construction sector was already under pressure pre-Covid 19, having contracted by 3.3% in real terms on 2019. It is estimated that in the Western Cape the sector could experience a further contraction of approximately 41% in 2020, followed by a 10% contraction in 2021 as a result of current restrictions. This translates to a loss of R12.9 billion in 2020 and R3 billion in 2021.

Importantly, the construction sector plays a critical role in attracting fixed capital investment to South Africa that not only supports current economic growth but is also a catalyst for future economic growth and economic potential. By revising the current Alert Level 4 restrictions, we can help to ensure that the construction sector survives and is able to play a role in our economic recovery post COVID-19.

Now more than ever, businesses need to be able to continue to trade safely and responsibly to ensure that we save jobs, livelihoods and the economy during the Covid-19 crisis. The private sector construction presents an opportunity for just that.

Under normal circumstances the sector already complies with very high health and safety standards, and as such, the implementation and regulation of additional measures to ensure safe operations to stop the spread of Covid-19 would not be very difficult for companies.

If the construction sector is able to operate safely for the purposes of public sector engineering and construction, we see no reason why this can’t be extended to the entire construction sector. In doing so, we can significantly impact on the ability for the economy to open in the Western Cape and South Africa, to save jobs and get more people working safely during the Covid-19 crisis.

Notes for media: 

To view the statement online, together with the submission to COGTA, visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/opening-private-sector-construction-critical-saving-over-100-000-jobs

Note for business: For more info on health guidelines and Covid-19 resources for business visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections

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)

Cell: 071 087 5150 / Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

19 May 2020 Media Release: Alert Level 4 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

Media Release: Alert Level 4 Regulations – Businesses who are allowed to operate

For Immediate Release
19 May 2020

Alert Level 4 Regulations – Business who are allowed to operate

A Risk-Adjusted Strategy based on a “deliberate and cautious approach to ease lockdown restrictions” is currently still in place in South Africa.  As from 1 May 2020, lockdown restrictions were eased from an alert level 5, to an alert level 4 during which a number of non-essential businesses were permitted to open, with the condition that they implement a number of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Alert level 4 simply means that South Africa now embark on a staged re-opening of its economy; that some identified services and activities may resume under strict regulations, subject to extreme precautions required in order to limit community transmission and outbreaks.

According to the Disaster Management Act:  Regulations, alert level 4 gazette on 29 April 2020 no 43258; the following businesses are allowed for the time being:

AGRICULTURE, HUNTING, FORESTRY AND FISHING:

All agriculture, hunting, forestry, fishing and related services, including the export of agricultural products permitted.  Essential fishing operations, horticulture, forestry and beekeeping.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part A

ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER SUPPLY

All electicity, gas and water supply is permitted.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part B

MANUFACTURING

Manufacture of wholesale and retail products permitted to be sold under Alert level 4, all input products, permitted scaling up to full employment except where otherwise indicated, and subject to strict health protocols.

Manufacture of paper and paper products; plastics and packaging, including glass; ect.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part C

CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED SERVICES:

Civil engineering for public works projects, critical public works construction, road and bridge projects and other public works civil engineering projects. Critical maintenance and repairs are also allowed.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part D

WHOLESALE & RETAIL TRADE, COVERING STORES, SPAZA SHOPS, ECOMMERCE AND INFORMAL TRADERS

Food products, including non-alcoholic beverages and animal food.  The sale of hot cooked food, only for home delivery.   Toiletries, cleaning, protective, baby care, children’s clothes.  Stationery & educational books, winter clothing, bedding heating and medical suppliers.  Fuel, coal, wood, gas, car sales, e-commerce, hardware supplies, ect.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part E

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

All telecommunication services and infrastructure; information and communication technology services for all private and business customers; and postal services and courier services for all products and services allowed under Level 4.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part F

MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES

Online services; productions for local broadcast; and live streaming of “the creative sector” in support of Covid-19; and newspapers and broadcasting.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part G

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES

If possible, work from home, Banks, the “payments” sector, insurers, savings and investment companies, medical schemes and outsourced administration are among the sectors that can operate. Private security services, call centre’s, essential financial services and payroll-related workers. Other professional services may operate only where work-from-home is not possible, and only to support other Level 4 services.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part H

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD SERVICES 

Accommodation not permitted, except for quarantine and essential services. Food delivery between 9am – 7pm, subject to curfew; no sit-down and no pick-up allowed.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part I

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES PERMITTED

Ocean, rail, road and air transport of goods permitted only for activities set out in Regulation 22(1). Cargo for domestic & other countries based on essential goods and level 4 services.  E-hailing services subject to restrictions on capacity and times.  Public rail, minibus taxi and bus services will resume at Alert Level and on terms as set out in Directions. Transport and logistics in respect of specified cargo specified in J1.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part J

MINING AND QUARRYING

Coal production for Eskom scaling up to full employment.  All other mining starting in batches scaling up towards 50% employment. Open-cast mining scaling up to a baseline of 50% and thereafter scaling up to full employment.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part K

REPAIR AND RELATED EMERGENCY SERVICES PERMITTED

Tow trucks and vehicle recovery services.  Emergency repair work including plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, glaziers and roof repair work.  Emergency automobile repairs for all persons.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part L

SUPPLY CHAINS

Production, manufacturing, supply, logistics, transport, delivery, critical 1 maintenance and repair in relation to the rendering of permitted services including components and equipment.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part M

PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYMENT

Live-in staff, and staff providing care to the sick, mentally ill, elderly, people with disabilities and children.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part N

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND OTHER ARMS OF THE STATE

Only essential government and administration services may operate.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part O

HEALTH, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES

All medical and veterinary services.  Cleaning, sanitation, pest control, sewerage, waste and refuse removal services.  All social work, counselling, services supporting gender based violence, care and relief activities permitted.  Wildlife management, anti-poaching, animal care and veterinary services.  Funeral and cremation services.  Trade union essential staff for workers covered by Alert Level 4.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part P

EDUCATION SERVICES

Permitted on dates and schedules set out separately.

Regulations Gazetted on the 29th of April 2020 no. 43258, Table 1, Part Q

The regulations also outlined the conditions and restrictions of the alert level 4 lockdown, and placed a number of obligations on employers engaged in essential and permitted services to contain the spread of COVID-19.  Prior to operating from their premises, businesses must develop a “COVID-ready” workplace plan in terms of Regulation 16. According to the guideline provided in Annexure E of the Regulations, there are a number of requirements that the workplace plan must comply with. It should also be visible and retained for inspection purposes.  In addition to the workplace plan, businesses must designate a COVID-19 Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation of the plan and to ensure adherence to the standards of hygiene and health protocols at each workplace (office/location).

Under these guidelines, returning employees must wear masks at work. Employers must also require members of the public entering a workplace to wear masks.  Employers must provide each employee, free of charge, with at least two cloth masks to wear while at work or commuting.

The employees with COVID-19 symptoms must not be at work and employers must grant paid sick leave or apply for COVID-19 temporary employee/employer Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits.  Measures must be taken to minimise the contact between workers and between workers and the public in order to prevent transmission.  The number of workers in the workplace must also be minimised through shift or working arrangement to achieve social distancing.

Employers are also required to report any diagnosis of COVID-19 at work to the Health Department and the Labour Department of Employment and, investigate the cause, and take appropriate measures.

Social distancing

With regard to social distancing, workplaces must be arranged to ensure a minimum of 1.5 meters between workers.  If this is not practicable, physical barriers must be erected and workers must be supplied free of charge with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Social distancing must be implemented in all common areas in and around the workplace to prevent crowding, including working spaces, canteens and meeting rooms.

Screening

In relation to screening, employers must screen workers for symptoms of COVID-19 at the time that they report for work.  Workers with symptoms must be placed in isolation and arrangements made for their safe transport for a medical examination or for self-isolation.  Employees who recover from COVID-19 may return to work after a medical evaluation and subject to ongoing monitoring, in line with instructions of the Department of Health.

Sanitisers and disinfectants

Employers are also required to provide sufficient quantities of hand sanitiser with at least 70% alcohol content. Communal and shared equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

 Enforcement by labour inspectors

In relation to enforcement, labour inspectors are empowered to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the directives. Failure to comply with the directives may result in the closure of contravening businesses.

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

18 May 2020

As of 1pm on 18 May, the Western Cape has 6031 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 9927  confirmed cases and 3731 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 9927
Total recoveries 3731
Total deaths 165
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 6031
Total number of tests 94275
Hospital admissions 424 with 111 in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Western 1059 517
Southern 1020 340
Northern 648 245
Tygerberg 1597 624
Eastern 934 408
Klipfontein 1195 434
Mitchells Plain 965 312
Khayelitsha 1345 493
Total 8763 3373

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

District  Sub-district Cases Recoveries
Garden Route Bitou 9 6
Garden Route Knysna 25 17
Garden Route George 27 16
Garden Route Hessequa 8 7
Garden Route Kannaland 1 0
Garden Route Mossel Bay 26 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 4 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 64 24
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 134 28
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 47 31
Cape Winelands Langeberg 6 3
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 205 146
Overberg Overstrand 24 15
Overberg Cape Agulhas 2 2
Overberg Swellendam 10 2
Overberg Theewaterskloof 17 2
West Coast Bergrivier 19 1
​West Coast ​Cederberg ​1 ​0
West Coast Matzikama 2 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 23 2
West Coast Swartland 30 9
       

Unallocated: 479  (24 recovered)

One case previously allocated to Langeberg, has been re-allocated based on updated address data.

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional eight COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 165. We send our condolences to the family and the loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Recovery from serious illness:

Earlier today, Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo visited the Gatesville Melomed Hospital to celebrate the recovery of Bathandwa Zuzo, from Gugulethu.

Minister Mbombo said: “Mr Zuzo tested positive for COVID-19 and was admitted on the 26 April 2020, with severe respiratory problems. He was in ICU and on ventilators for 3 weeks. This also serves to demonstrate the strength of our health system and to showcase our health professionals’ skills in dealing with this pandemic. This is a powerful story of a man who survived the most severe case of this virus, I hope this will give hope to the people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.”

It is also important that we show our support for those who are ill- and treat them with kindness and care on their path to recovery.

Minister Madikizela launches Red Dot transport service:

Today the Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Bonginkosi Madikizela, launched the Red Dot Service. This forms part of our targeted hotspot response strategy for the Covid-19 pandemic in the Western Cape. This partnership between the Western Cape Government and the minibus taxi industry will deliver critical transport services needed during this challenging time.

This Red Dot service (which refers to the sticker on the bus) will provide a chartered transport service for those Department of Health employees who need to travel for work between 19:00 and 05:00. This is difficult outside of these hours because of limitation of transport under Alert Level 4 restrictions.

From 1 June, the service will also  transport citizens who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are at high-risk of having been exposed to the virus to public isolation and quarantine centres in the Western Cape.  The fleet will initially comprise 100 minibuses and will follow strict safety and hygiene protocols, including the rigorous cleaning and sanitization of vehicles after every trip.

We are extremely thankful to SANTACO Western Cape for supporting this initiative, as we find innovative ways to make sure that we can assist our residents.

Minister Anroux Marais supports creativity for young learners during the lockdown:

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport announced educational resources available for young learners during the Lockdown. An online resource portal for NGOs to share has been developed through a  partnership of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s After School Programme, the Learning Trust, ASSITEJ-SA, and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The Department is also developing printed materials to be used by learners who can’t access the material online, while the site is being zero-rated.

I am grateful for the support of these organisations, as we continue to ensure the education of our children receives the attention it deserves. To view or contribute to this resource, please visit the Treasure Box.

Minister Tertius Simmers announces new homes as government work continues through the pandemic:

Yesterday Minister Simmers announced that 1371 beneficiaries will benefit from new homes that are ready to be handed over across the Western Cape. This includes 267 houses in the Cape Metro and some 229 housing opportunities in Ceres, which is within the Witzenberg municipality. Our government is continuing to work hard throughout this pandemic to continue to deliver on its mandate, and I am excited that these residents will soon move into their new homes. Improving the lives of vulnerable communities is our top priority and a critical part of the response to the pandemic.

18 May 2020 Media Release: Update from the Garden Route District Business, Economic and Tourism Sector:  business as “unusual’ and business continuity

Media Release: Update from the Garden Route District Business, Economic and Tourism Sector:  business as “unusual’ and business continuity

For immediate release
18 May 2020

Update from the Garden Route District Business, Economic and Tourism Sector:  business as “unusual’ and business continuity

In anticipation of the need for rapid action to recover the regional economy from the COVID-19 crisis, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) established the Business, Economic and Tourism Cluster within the recently activated District Command Centre (DCC).  As part of the work undertaken within the Business, Economic and Tourism Cluster, the GRDM in partnership with the 7 b-Municipalities, Western Cape Government, South Cape Economic Partnership (SCEP), WESGRO, Business Chambers in the region and other important stakeholders, established a sub-cluster called the Business Continuity workstream – one of the three identified workstreams of the broader cluster.

The overall purpose of the Business Continuity workstream is to develop a recovery strategy for the district, addressing issues of business rescue, support and building of business resilience. To this end, work was done to map and analyse the economic sectors in the region according to the risk level and ability to recover. From this key areas that require robust interventions and projects to ensure continuity were identified. A draft Garden Route Business Continuity Strategy document, collated and compiled by the workstream, which is facilitated by SCEP was tabled in early May, and shared with the stakeholders and role players.

This plan was also informed by the results of the COVID-19 business survey for the district, as well as by inputs from sector experts and key stakeholders. The plan proposes solutions which will be implemented in the short, medium, and long term. The main objectives, at present, are to implement solutions and strategies that will ensure that the Garden Route is able to build a stronger, more robust and resilient economy into the future.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown affected the whole economy across all sectors, some sectors will be able to ‘ride the wave’ and rebound sooner, but others will most probably be affected over a longer period. This depends on restrictions affecting them locally and internationally. Based on the analysis done on all the sectors as well as recommendations made by the workstream, special emphasis and measures will be further investigated and implemented in the near future into tourism & hospitality; construction services and to a lesser extent, agricultural sectors.

Sector experts and relevant support organisations/development agencies, are currently creating advisory hubs who will create an approach specific to the Garden Route. Lessons from others around the globe will be incorporated into the approach. Business sectors will be incorporated into existing forums in the region to ensure that all voices area heard and continuous support and programmes are inclusive.