Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

8 May 2020

As of 1pm on 8 May, the Western Cape has recorded 4584 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 210

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 11 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 87.  We extend our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

We are also deeply saddened to announce the death of a Tygerberg Hospital nurse, Ntombizakithi Ngidi. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and her colleagues at this time and we honour her service to the people of this province. 

This is the second nurse we have lost to COVID-19 in the province- following the death last week of Petronella Benjamin, who was one day away from her retirement.

We ask every person in our country to keep them in our thoughts during this most difficult time.

Next week, as we mark International Nurses Day, we will honour these two women for their commitment and their care.

All of our healthcare workers are heroes on the frontlines, and we thank them for their selflessness and their commitment during this pandemic.  Each and every death should be a stark reminder of the role we all have to play in flattening this curve so that we can protect our healthcare workers, and all of our vulnerable, elderly or sick residents. 

Every person has a role to play: 

As both President Ramaphosa and Professor Salim Abdool Karim have made clear, Covid-19 will continue to spread across South Africa and cannot be stopped. The lockdown and subsequent restrictions have allowed us time to prepare, and to flatten the curve, but many people in South Africa will be infected.

We are working around the clock to make sure that we are prepared for the peak that will still come. But we cannot do it alone. We need the help of every single person in the Western Cape. We need to stay home, follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times, and gatherings wherever possible. Please wear a cloth mask properly whenever you leave the house, and maintain a good distance from all other people at all times. By doing this, you are helping us save lives.

Issued by the Western Cape government, 8 May 2020