WESTERN CAPE NEWS - Altogether 1 314 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection have been recorded in the Western Cape. This is an increase of 161 cases while three more deaths have been recorded.
In a statement with the latest statistics for the province, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that 244 patients have recovered, while the deaths stand at 28. There is a total of 1 042 active cases (currently infected patients) and 62 are in hospital, of which 24 are in ICU. In total, 22 691 tests have been conducted in the province.
The numbers for the Garden Route are:
- Bitou 5
- Knysna 14
- George 14
- Hessequa 5
- Mossel Bay 19
- Oudtshoorn 3
A case previously allocated to the Matzikama sub-district has been reallocated.
There have been three more deaths in the Western Cape, bringing the total number of deaths to 28. They include a 76-year-old woman, a 44-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man. All had significant comorbidities.
Rigorous screening and testing
A total of 150 847 people have been screened in the province this month, with 6 006 sent for testing.
Winde said he understands residents’ worry as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the province, but this is a natural result of the more rigorous testing approach.
The increased focus on screening and testing has enabled a better response to areas of risk as cases are identified, and then quarantined or isolated where necessary.
“We are going to face a very challenging time in the weeks and months to come. The lockdown has helped, but it has not stopped the virus. The peak is still to come, and many people will be infected by Covid-19.
"That is why it is so important that every single one of us continue to play our part to flatten the curve. If we do this, we can prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and we can save many lives.”
Additional funding
Winde also announced that R16,2-million in additional funding has been allocated to municipalities in the province towards humanitarian relief.
“Our district and local municipalities are closest to the ground, and on a day-to-day basis, are delivering services to residents,” he said. “They therefore have a good sense of where needs are greatest and this additional funding will help them to address some of the most immediate needs."
Western Cape Minister of Local Government and Environmental Affairs, Anton Bredell, said the department has allocated this funding to municipalities in the Western Cape that need it most. The money has been reallocated from existing budgets.
“Municipalities are already providing much-needed relief in various forms, including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food parcels,” said Bredell. “This allocation will assist them in continuing to do so. The funds have been transferred directly to the municipal accounts.”
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