The Western Cape’s number of COVID-19 deaths has increased by 75 – but residents are urged to understand that these deaths were not necessarily recorded in the past 24 hours. This is due to the fact that some of the data regarding deaths has been delayed in reaching the provincial department of Health yesterday, thus it was too late for the 1pm update.
“We receive manual confirmation of deaths from the public and private hospitals before the numbers are formally loaded onto our electronic system and there is therefore also a lag between today’s number of deaths and the number being reported on our electronic dashboard,” Premier Alan Winde said in a statement.
As of today [June 7] at 1pm the Western Cape has 11 389 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 30 249 confirmed cases and 18 103 recoveries.
| Total confirmed Covid-19 cases | 30 249 |
| Total recoveries | 18 103 |
| Total deaths | 774 |
| Total active cases (currently infected patients) | 11 389 |
| Tests conducted | 198 449 |
| Hospital admissions | 1 141 of which 219 are in ICU or high care |
Primier Winde confirmed that the total number of COVID-19 related deaths now stands at 774 in the province. “We send our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased at this time,” he said.
The Western Cape Hospital of Hope at the CTICC will admit its first patients tomorrow, as part of a phased opening. The hospital aims to create 862 additional intermediate care beds when it operates at full capacity.
“I would like to thank all of the Western Cape Government staff and service providers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that this project could be completed in just four weeks. We wish all of the patients who will be receiving care there a speedy recovery and send our thanks to the healthcare workers who will be working to help them get well,” said Winde.
The possibility for a second 800 bed hospital at CTICC 2 is also being explored by the Western Cape Government. This is in the hopes of meeting the bed numbers that are anticipated to be required at the peak of infections.
“The fight against Covid-19 is a fight to save lives and while we continue to work to strengthen the healthcare system, we need every single citizen to work to stop the spread of this virus,” said Winde. “By staying home whenever possible, and and sticking to the golden rules of handwashing and hygiene, keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and any other person when in public places and always wearing a clean cloth mask, we can help to slow the spread of this virus.”
The Western Cape has also noted the new advice regarding cloth masks, issued by the World Health Organisation.
According to Winde: “The organisation now advises that people should wear masks in public places like on public transport and in places where social distancing may be hard such as in grocery shops, schools and in places of worship.”
Winde said that in South Africa, wearing masks in public places is relgulated. He has urged residents to ensure that they are wearing masks, and that they are being worn correctly.
“Masks must be clean, and worn correctly, which includes only touching them by the straps when putting them on and taking them off, and sanitising hands before and after this,” he said .
“Cloth masks should not be seen as the only line of defense against this virus and must always be used in conjunction with good hygiene, hand washing and social distancing must always be adhered to.”
Picture: Pixabay