Update on the coronavirus and vaccines by Premier Alan Winde

16 August 2021

As at 1pm on 16 August 2021, the Western Cape had 43 884 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 452 197 COVID-19 cases to date and 391 543 recoveries. 

By 5pm on 13 August 2021, the Western Cape Government had administered a cumulative total of 1 457 080 vaccines to healthcare workers, staff in the education sector and those within eligible age brackets.

The current 7-day moving average is 80 deaths per day.

Additional data is available on the Western Cape COVID-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

You can also view the Western Cape Government’s vaccine registration dashboard by visiting: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine-dashboard

The Western Cape supports bringing forward 18+ vaccinations 

Today, at the launch of the Athlone Stadium mass vaccination site, I called for the vaccination of residents in the 18 – 34 age bracket to be brought forward earlier so that we can keep the momentum of our vaccination programme going, especially given the increase in supplies available.

The Western Cape has invested in significant vaccine infrastructure, including mass vaccination sites. With increased supplies, we are now able to scale-up our daily vaccination rates above what we are currently vaccinating per day.

I therefore welcome the announcement by the National Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, that the National Department aims to extend the vaccine rollout to the 18+ age group, possibly by the end of this week.

Western Cape Government receives donations of masks and cash

Today, the Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer and I received a donation from the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China and from the Longyuan Mulilo Wind Projects which included R60 000 in masks and R300 000 in cash towards supporting local schools.

The cash donation will assist the following schools:       

1. De Kruine Secondary School in the Cape Winelands
2. Thembani Primary School in the Metro
3. West Bank High School in the Metro East
4. Visserhoek Primary School in the Metro North
5. Suurbrak Primary School in the Overberg
6. Lingelethu Secondary School in the West Coast

Speaking to the donation received, Minister Schäfer said: “As the number of active cases have risen in the third wave, it is imperative that we keep our children safe at school so that they can continue learning. The donation of masks and funding will assist these schools to do so. On behalf of the schools and the WCED, I thank the Chinese Consulate and Longyuan Mulilo Wind Projects for this support. It is noteworthy that the donation has been made by a renewable energy company, as we are keen proponents of the use of green technology in our schools and in the Western Cape.”

Premier collects clothing donations from Pat O’Connor for Brackengate Hospital

Today, I had the privilege of visiting Ms Pat O’Connor from Belgravia. Pat has taken it upon herself to collect clothes from members of her community for Brackengate Hospital’s clothing collection driving.

I visited her in person to collect her donation and thanked her for going above and beyond to help others. Despite having mobility issues, she has collected clothes from her community to help those in need, and we are truly grateful.

I previously called on residents to assist in a clothing donation drive after visiting Brackengate Hospital and receiving a request for assistance in collecting clothes for patients who were being discharged. It was explained that many of the patients arrived in soiled clothing and that the hospital required suitable clothing for when patients were discharged.

I also want to acknowledge each and every resident that has helped us throughout this collection drive, ensuring we uphold the dignity of the most vulnerable in our province.

Let’s be safe and break the chain of transmission

We continue to be in the peak of the third wave, and we must do whatever we can to break the chain of transmission to reduce the pressure on our healthcare platform.

Please:

• Wear your mask properly, covering your nose and mouth.
• Wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
• Avoid crowded places, confined spaces and close contact.
• Keep your gatherings short, small and outdoors – with lots of ventilation.
• Drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.
• Get vaccinated when it is your turn.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you have any difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical treatment.
• Help protect those at highest risk – especially those who are older, and those with comorbidities.
• Continue to protect your family bubble.

Let’s play our part and ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us. Doing so will ensure that we save both lives and livelihoods.

Statement issued by the Office of the Western Cape Premier, 16 August 2021