The Western Cape has recorded an additional 38 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 2654.
“We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time,” said Premier Alan Winde.
As of 1pm on July 20, the Western Cape has 13 352 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 84 340 confirmed cases and 68334 recoveries.
Total confirmed COVID-19 cases 84340
Total recoveries 68334
Total deaths 2654
Total active cases (currently infected patients) 13 352
Tests conducted 376430
Hospitalisations 1555 with 337 in ICU or high care
Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:
Western 7157 cases; 5950 recoveries
Southern 7459 cases; 6127 recoveries
Northern 4929 cases; 4145 recoveries
Tygerberg 10664 cases; 8879 recoveries
Eastern 7679 cases; 6440 recoveries
Klipfontein 7746 cases; 6841 recoveries
Mitchells Plain 6761 cases; 5641 recoveries
Khayelitsha 7469 cases; 6528 recoveries
Total 59864 cases; 50191 recoveries
Sub-districts:
Garden Route Bitou 258 cases; 130 recoveries
Garden Route Knysna 643 cases; 307 recoveries
Garden Route George 1793 cases; 1035 recoveries
Garden Route Hessequa 85 cases; 43 recoveries
Garden Route Kannaland 43 cases; 21 recoveries
Garden Route Mossel Bay 819 cases; 381 recoveries
Garden Route Oudsthoorn 298 cases; 148 recoveries
Cape Winelands Stellenbosch 1627 cases; 1288 recoveries
Cape Winelands Drakenstein 3456 cases; 2884 recoveries
Cape Winelands Breede Valley 2454 cases; 1904 recoveries
Cape Winelands Langeberg 831 cases; 608 recoveries
Cape Winelands Witzenberg 1047 cases; 795 recoveries
Overberg Overstrand 1192 cases; 933 recoveries
Overberg Cape Agulhas 140 cases; 84 recoveries
Overberg Swellendam 203 cases; 112 recoveries
Overberg Theewaterskloof 817 cases; 613 recoveries
West Coast Bergrivier 286 cases; 220 recoveries
West Coast Cederberg 79 cases; 51 recoveries
West Coast Matzikama 168 cases; 101 recoveries
West Coast Saldanha Bay Municipality 1020 cases; 777 recoveries
West Coast Swartland 978 cases; 688 recoveries
Central Karoo Beaufort West 124 cases; 51 recoveries
Central Karoo Laingsburg 17 cases; 7 recoveries
Central Karoo Prince Albert 1 case; 0 recoveries
Unallocated: 6097( 4965 recovered)
“As we move closer to the peak, it is not possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas,” explained Winde.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
Brackengate accepts first patients:
“Our Brackengate temporary hospital accepted its first patients today, making it the province’s third field hospital to open. Ten people were admitted to the 338 bed facility this afternoon, with the first patients receiving a heartwarming welcome and round of applause from the hospital team at the door,” said Winde.
The facility provides immediate care to patients who need to be hospitalised and require oxygen, but who are not critical. Each bed at the facility is equipped with oxygen. Eight additional beds are fitted with high flow nasal oxygen. The facility is also paperless and has wifi connectivity so patients are able to connect with their families and friends.
“We wish all of those who enter through its doors well as they recover. We also extend our thanks to the many people including Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo and Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela, to the officials and the healthcare workers who have ensured that we have been able to provide healthcare services to the people of the Western Cape, with just a short time to prepare,” said Winde.
Comorbidities:
The Department of Health in the province has conducted another comprehensive analysis of the comorbidities associated with COVID-19 related deaths in the province.
“Diabetes and hypertension remain the leading comorbidities in the 2181deaths in people over the age of 20 in the Western Cape as at July 8. Diabetes was a comorbidity in 1042 of these deaths, and hypertension in 1086 deaths,” explained the Premier.
In almost a quarter of these deaths (513), patients had three or more comorbidities.
The data also reveals the following other comorbidities:
– 68 (cardio vascular disease)
– 277 (chronic pulmonary disease)
– 35 (cancer)
– 274 (HIV)
– 66 (TB current)
– 233 (TB previously)
– 99 (other comorbidities)
*Numbers will not add up several people had more than one comorbidity
When looking at the age breakdowns, the greatest number of deaths were recorded in people over the age of 50.
Of the 2181 deaths:
-673 were over 70 years of age
-573 were aged between 60 and 69
-512 were between the ages of 50 to 59.
“These numbers show that it is vitally important that anyone who falls into these risk groups take every precaution to protect themselves.”
“This means staying at home as much as possible, and ensuring that if you are on any medication, that you continue to take this. Always wear a mask outside of your home, practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching surfaces or your face,” urged Winde, adding that if anyone in the risk groups are experiencing symptoms, they should get tested and seek out care as soon as possible.
The premier also reminded that while younger people and those without comorbidities are at a lower risk, they can still become ill and infect high-risk people.
“Each death we record in this province is one too many. We must avoid seeing these deaths only as statistics. Each of these lives had value, these are people who had families and loved ones, aspirations, stories to share and lessons to teach. We must acknowledge their humanity and ensure that we do everything in our power to protect others and save lives,” said Winde.
Acts of human kindness:
“I would like to acknowledge the staff at Helderberg Hospital for going beyond the call of duty and helping to make the birthday of a COVID-19 patient special. Being in hospital at this time can be a very lonely experience as visitors aren’t allowed, but Mrs Wilhelmina Williams, still got to celebrate her 65th birthday with cake and balloons last week thanks to the kindness of some healthcare workers,” said Winde.
“I would also like to wish Mrs Williams a belated happy birthday and a speedy recovery.”
Winde added that the Maskathon challenge for Mandela Day resulted in pledges for over 23 500 masks. He thanked all those who donated.
If you wish to donate, you can do so by going to https://maskathon.co.za/masksformadiba/.
Picture: Pixabay