The Western Cape has 8 285 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 98 354 confirmed cases and 86 677 recoveries as of 1pm on August 9.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 18 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 3 392.

The provincial breakdown is as follows:

The Western Cape has 8258 active cases of coronavirus The Western Cape has 8258 active cases of coronavirus The Western Cape has 8258 active cases of coronavirus

Women on the frontline:

In a statement, Premier Alan Winde said: “Today, as we commemorate Women’s Day in South Africa, we thank those women who have been at the frontline of our response to COVID-19.

“We thank the thousands of women in our healthcare system, working as doctors, nurses, researchers, scientists, technicians, hospital cleaners, catering and administrative staff who ensure that the sick people of this province get the care that they need.

“We also thank all of those dedicated women who are teachers, school staff, social workers, sports coaches and law enforcement officers who are on the ground in our communities, making a difference in people’s lives.

“I thank those women who patrol as members of a neighbourhood watch, who care for the children, the less fortunate and the elderly in their communities. We thank those women who are making meals to feed the hungry, the business leaders who are creating jobs and sharing their skills.”

He continued: “The Western Cape’s response to COVID-19 has been strengthened by the partnerships we have built with businesses, civil society, community groups and NGOs, many of which are led by women.

“We know that the extended lockdown has had a significant impact on women around the world resulting in job losses, economic hardships and an increased risk of gender based violence. As the Western Cape continues to fight COVID-19, we must also fight these two additional pandemics of unemployment and gender based violence which threaten the safety of women, and families and will impact generations to come.”

Image: Unsplash

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