The Western Cape has 12 250 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 33 892 confirmed cases as of today, June 9. The number of recoveries is now at 20 791.
The province has recorded an additional 53 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 851.
“We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this time,” said Premier Alan Winde.
The breakdown of the cases are as follows:
A number of Western Cape hospitals have seen a significant spike in trauma cases linked to alcohol use since the sale of alcohol was unbanned on June 1.
“This is extremely concerning as the healthcare system is already under pressure as a result of COVID-19,” said Winde.
Rumours about the re-banning of alcohol have been making the rounds, however Winde confirmed that the Western Cape has not made any announcements to this effect and has not received any indication from the national government that this is planned.
“I want to be very clear with the people of the Western Cape, alcohol abuse is taking away hospital beds and care from people who need them during this very serious pandemic. Please drink responsibly and play your part. If this doesn’t happen, we will have no choice but to explore alternative steps to ensure that this happens. ” he said.
In addition, another of the Western Cape Government’s testing and triage centres was opened at Groote Schuur today. This site, one of 18 in the first phase, will provide a dedicated space to screen, triage and test patients presenting to Groote Schuur.
These centres help to ease the pressure on hospital emergency care centres, while also separating testing and triaging from the rest of the hospital patients. The province has now also begun phase two of this project, which will create 14 new temporary testing and triage sites in the metro, and an additional 20 in the non-metro areas.
Image: Pexles