COVID-19 infections have increased by an astounding 196% in the Garden Route District within the last two weeks.
In a statement on Friday [October 16], Garden Route District Director for Health Zee Brickles thanked residents for following COVID-19 protocols but urged them to be even more vigilant to prevent a second wave.
“It has been 7 long months of lockdown and the natural reaction to the easing up of these restrictions are to catch up on all that we have missed out on over the past months but we can’t become complacent now,” said Brickles.
“It has always been feared that when the lockdown restrictions ease up, the infection rate would increase. We have unfortunately already seen a 196% increase in covid-19 cases in the district over the past 14 days. (This increase is compared to the previous 14 day-period). We know how quickly the virus can spread and now is the time that we must do our utmost best to prevent or contain a second wave.”
He urged residents to avoid possible super-spreader events such as crowded places, poorly ventilated spaces, and close contact with others.
“We as individuals, members of families and communities, are responsible for ensuring that we protect ourselves and keep those near and dear to us, safe at all times. We should ask ourselves in every situation how we can make it safer for ourselves and our loved ones, knowing that we can easily and unknowingly pass the virus on or take it home to our families. Remember to wash your hands regularly, wear your mask when you are in public spaces and avoid large gatherings.”
The Department will be running an awareness drive at places of gathering and within communities to get residents to take up basic health services again, with a focus on general health, well-being, and ongoing care for vulnerable groups.
The Western Cape currently has 3128 active COVID-19 infections with a total of 113 864 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 106 440 recoveries. There have been 4296 COVID-19 related deaths thus far.
The City of Cape Town is leading the province with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases, followed by the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route municipality in second and third respectively.
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