POLITICS

1 391 hospitalisations in WCape – Alan Winde

Premier says province has recorded an additional 25 deaths

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde

7 December 2020

As of 1pm on 7 December, the Western Cape has 15 423 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 140 365 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 120 128 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases

140 365

Total recoveries

120 128

Total deaths

4818

Total active cases (currently infected patients)

15 423

Tests conducted

844 808

Hospitalisations

1391 with 249 of these in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:

Sub-district

Cases

Recoveries

Western

13000

11128

Southern

12762

10860

Northern

8161

7274

Tygerberg

15316

13724

Eastern

12851

11384

Klipfontein

10496

9320

Mitchells Plain

10228

9123

Khayelitsha

9228

8395

Total

92042

81365

Sub-districts:

 District

 Sub-district

Cases

Recoveries

Garden Route

Bitou

1669

1084

Garden Route

Knysna

3136

2207

Garden Route

George

7309

5204

Garden Route

Hessequa

567

463

Garden Route

Kannaland

201

163

Garden Route

Mossel Bay

4085

3034

Garden Route

Oudsthoorn

2060

1655

Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch

2632

2289

Cape Winelands

Drakenstein

4915

4525

Cape Winelands

Breede Valley

3956

3555

Cape Winelands

Langeberg

1409

1211

Cape Winelands

Witzenberg

1986

1671

Overberg

Overstrand

1958

1795

Overberg

Cape Agulhas

507

368

Overberg

Swellendam

411

375

Overberg

Theewaterskloof

1618

1289

West Coast

Bergrivier

560

523

West Coast

Cederberg

230

185

West Coast 

Matzikama

870

774

West Coast

Saldanha Bay Municipality

1694

1533

West Coast

Swartland

1902

1737

Central Karoo

Beaufort West

1066

854

Central Karoo

Laingsburg

151

137

Central Karoo

Prince Albert

49

38

Unallocated: 3381 (2094 recovered) 

Data note:

* It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.  

The Western Cape has recorded 25 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 4818 .We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Safe travel this December:

This afternoon, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier and I visited Cape Town International Airport for an update on the Covid-19 safety measures they have put in place ahead of the tourism season.

I was pleased to hear from the airport management that the domestic market is growing, and that more international flights are starting to return to the market.

To ensure the highest safety standards and to ensure protocols are adhered to, the airport has introduced body temperature scanners, Covid-19 monitors who move around the airport helping with compliance, and measures to reduce contact throughout the airport check-in process. They have also now introduced antigen testing.

All international travelers must arrive in the country with a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours old. However, if for some reason a person arrives without this test or documentation, the traveler will be taken to an isolation bay, where an antigen test will be administered.

This is not meant to replace the PCR test but provides an extra layer of security in outlier cases where a traveler may arrive without one. The test is quick to perform and results are available within a 30 minute period. The test is SAHPRA approved and has undergone their rigorous approval processes.

Deon Cloete, general manager of Cape Town International Airport said: "We have a number of Covid-19 safety protocols in place which are strictly adhered to. Our aim is to ensure the safety of all airport users including our staff. We have seen a steady increase in passenger movement which is a good sign. We are committed to playing our part in making sure that people safely navigate the airport."

Over the festive season, many people will be undertaking interprovincial travel, either by air, or road travel and it is critical that we all play our part to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Earlier today, Minister of Transport and Public Works, BonginkosiMadikizela conducted oversight visits to various taxi ranks and bus stops around the city, to measure safety compliance. Minister Madikizela has expressed concern at the number of passengers, operators and drivers he encountered on public transport who were not wearing masks and not following proper protocols. 

If we are to avoid any further restrictions, we must ensure each and every one of us changes our behaviour. 

By following some simple protocols, and safety tips while traveling, you can ensure that you are able to navigate this festive season safely.

-Do not travel if you feel ill or are experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, loss of taste or smell, body aches or fever.

-Always wear your mask whenever traveling- whether you are going through an airport, traveling by bus or in a taxi.

-While waiting in queues, ensure that there is 1.5 metres of space between yourself and any other person.

-Wash or sanitize your hands before boarding a bus, plane or taxi.

-If traveling by car, bus or taxi, ensure that the windows are open to allow fresh air to circulate.

-To report non-compliance on public transport- dial *134*234#

Issued by Western Cape Office of the Premier, 7 December 2020