Yesterday [April 23] the Western Cape officially became the new epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in South Africa. The total number of confirmed infections in the province is now at 1314.
“The Western Cape is saddened to announce another three deaths in the province, 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 with significant co-morbidities. We send our condolences to their families and loved ones at this time,” said Premier Alan Winde.
Rigorous screening and testing:
“I understand that our residents are worried as they see the number of new laboratory confirmed Covid-19 cases grow rapidly in the Western Cape, but this is a natural result of our more rigorous testing approach. Our strategy is to do screening and testing even more rigorously. This is the best way to contain the virus and to flatten the curve. 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,” added Winde.
Residents are encouraged yet again to continue doing their part in flattening the curve.
A total of 150 847 people have been screened in the province this month- with 6006 sent for testing.
“Our increased focus on screening and testing has helped us to respond to areas of risk as we identify them, and then quarantine or isolate people where necessary, as part of our prevention strategy,” said Winde.
Winde also announced that R16.2 million in additional funding has been allocated to municipalities in the province towards humanitarian relief.
Minister of Local Government, and Environmental Affairs, Anton Bredell said, “The Provincial Department of Local Government has allocated additional funding of R16.2 million to various municipalities in the Western Cape with a focus on those municipalities most at need. The R16.2 million has been reallocated from existing budgets and is going to support municipalities in the Western Cape with humanitarian relief for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Municipalities are already providing much needed relief in various forms, including soup kitchens, homeless shelters and food parcels. This allocation will assist them in continuing to do so. The funds have been transferred directly to the municipal accounts,” added Minister Bredell.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases: 1314
Total recoveries: 244
Total deaths: 28
Total active cases (currently infected patients): 1042
Patients in hospital 62 of which 24 are in ICU
Total tests conducted: 22691
Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:
Sub-district Cases
Western 312
Southern 186
Northern 59
Tygerberg 138
Eastern 126
Klipfontein 80
Mitchells Plain 88
Khayelitsha 121
Total 1110
Sub Districts Non-Metro:
District Sub-district Cases
Garden Route Bitou 5
Garden Route Knysna 14
Garden Route George 14
Garden Route Hessequa 5
Garden Route Mossel Bay 19
Garden Route Oudtshoorn 3
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 15
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 13
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 22
Cape Winelands Langeberg 2
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 55
Overberg Overstrand 11
Overberg Theewaterskloof 1
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 3
West Coast Swartland 7
Unallocated: 15
Picture: Unsplash