The Western Cape is moving closer to the peak, and the situation remains dire. As of Tuesday, June 23, the province has 13 444 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of  52 178 confirmed cases and 37 234 recoveries.

“The Western Cape has recorded an additional 76 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 1500. We send our condolences to their families and friends at this time,” said Premier Alan Winde.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 52 178
Total recoveries 37234
Total deaths 1500
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 13 444
Tests conducted 274 649
Hospitalisations 1653 with 326 in ICU or high care

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Western 4637 cases; 3482 recoveries
Southern 4681 cases; 3502 recoveries
Northern 3353 cases; 2474 recoveries
Tygerberg 7148 cases; 5459 recoveries
Eastern 4684 cases; 3438 recoveries
Klipfontein 5462 cases; 4008 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 4588 cases; 3465 recoveries
Khayelitsha 5881 cases; 4763 recoveries
Total 40434 cases; 30591 recoveries

Sub-districts:

Garden Route Bitou 37 cases; 17 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 120 cases; 81 recoveries
Garden Route George 348 cases; 135 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 21 cases; 17 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 3 cases; 2 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 113 cases; 47 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 42 cases; 17 recoveries

Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 829 cases; 510 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 2156 cases; 1425 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 1132 cases; 644 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 300 cases; 106 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 557 cases; 383 recoveries

Overberg Overstrand 444 cases; 200 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 36 cases; 26 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 36 cases; 18 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 307 cases; 178 recoveries

West Coast Bergrivier 172 cases; 123 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 34 cases; 11 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 42 cases; 15 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 452 cases; 245 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 467 cases; 255 recoveries

Central Karoo Beaufort West 9 cases; 2 recoveries

Unallocated: 4087 (2186 recovered)

Winde reiterated that it is not possible to check address data for each case, as over 1000 are recorded daily. This means that cases may, at times be allocated to the incorrect subdistricts. He assured that this will be corrected if errors are picked up.

Suburb Data Updated:

Residents have been urged to make use of suburb and town data, to protect themselves, rather than to cause fear and stigma.

“The Western Cape Government has provided updated suburb and town data on its dashboard for download. This data is approximately 85% complete is approximately 80-85% accurate. We release this data in the interests of transparency and to give residents a picture of how the virus is progressing in the areas in which they live. This information should be used by residents to arm themselves with knowledge and should not be used to cause fear, or stigma. Anyone can get infected by COVID-19 and we must remember to be kind and compassionate to those who fall ill,” said Winde.

Unemployment statistics:

The StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force survey, released today, June 23, shows that unemployment in the country is over 30%, with 38 000 jobs lost in South Africa in the first quarter of 2020.

“While the Western Cape did record the lowest unemployment rate of 20.9% in the country, we must bear in mind that these statistics only cover the period January to March, and do not include the extended lock down period which has had a major impact on businesses and jobs in the Western Cape and across the country. We are facing a serious humanitarian crisis as more and more people lose their jobs,” said Winde.

“This is why it is important that the economy be allowed to re-open in the safest way possible. Preserving people’s jobs and livelihoods must be carefully balanced with our need to control the spread of the coronavirus. Businesses who are operating must be doing so safely, with the utmost care for their staff and their clientele. This includes implementing strict hygiene and sanitation, and ensuring that staff and customers are able to practice social distancing.”

Winde said that COVID-19 will remain with us for many months ahead.

“We will need to be careful even after the country has reached its peak. Putting extra measures in place now will help to protect your business, your staff and your customers in the long run.”

Winde assured that the province is working hard to support business so that measures are followed and everyone is protected.

Picture: Unsplash

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