Premier Alan Winde confirmed in a statement today [April 18] that the Western Cape has recorded 812 cases of coronavirus. The total active cases, or currently infected patients, is 587 with 38 in hospital of which 15 are in ICU.
To date, there have been 210 recoveries in the province.
Yesterday, the Western Cape recorded two more deaths, a 43-year-old man, and a 54-year-old woman. As a result, the total number of the deaths in the province is now 15.
Additionally, the Western Cape is continuing to scale up the community screening process. Thus far, 62,509 screenings have been conducted and 3195 tests have taken place.
According to the statement, many of the transmissions have been local. “While the notable increase of new infections reflects the increased testing being conducted in the province, it is clear from the data that transmission in our communities is increasing. Of the 812 confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, 500 are confirmed local transmission cases,” said Winde.
The Premier urged residents of the Western Cape to abide by lockdown rules and practice safe social distance. For those needing to run essential errands, or who are categorised as essential workers the Premier advised that “you wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer, keep a distance of 1.5 metres from any other person, and wear a clean, cloth mask. Do not touch your face or your mask and if you are ill, stay at home. If you experience flu-like symptoms, call the national or provincial coronavirus hotlines on 0800 029 999 or 021 928 4102 so they can advise you on steps to take.”
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