POLITICS

15 486 active Covid-19 cases in WCape – Alan Winde

Premier says people refrain from attending large, private functions which could easily become super spreader events

15 486 active Covid-19 cases in WCape – Alan Winde

8 December 2020

As of 1pm on 8 December, the Western Cape has 15 486 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 141 772 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 121 417 recoveries.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases

141 772

Total recoveries

121 417

Total deaths

4869

Total active cases (currently infected patients)

15 486

Tests conducted

850 311

Hospitalisations

1524 with 261 of these in ICU or high care

Cape Metro Sub-districts:

Sub-district

Cases

Recoveries

Western

13162

11388

Southern

12949

10969

Northern

8264

7343

Tygerberg

15443

13844

Eastern

12956

11448

Klipfontein

10577

9391

Mitchells Plain

10275

9143

Khayelitsha

9251

8435

Total

92877

81961

Sub-districts:

 District

 Sub-district

Cases

Recoveries

Garden Route

Bitou

1694

1155

Garden Route

Knysna

3221

2301

Garden Route

George

7848

5389

Garden Route

Hessequa

574

492

Garden Route

Kannaland

202

171

Garden Route

Mossel Bay

4165

3133

Garden Route

Oudsthoorn

2105

1671

Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch

2661

2302

Cape Winelands

Drakenstein

4948

4542

Cape Winelands

Breede Valley

3997

3574

Cape Winelands

Langeberg

1424

1223

Cape Winelands

Witzenberg

2002

1694

Overberg

Overstrand

1965

1807

Overberg

Cape Agulhas

512

374

Overberg

Swellendam

412

376

Overberg

Theewaterskloof

1648

1310

West Coast

Bergrivier

559

522

West Coast

Cederberg

231

191

West Coast 

Matzikama

869

787

West Coast

Saldanha Bay Municipality

1701

1538

West Coast

Swartland

1917

1743

Central Karoo

Beaufort West

1083

871

Central Karoo

Laingsburg

151

138

Central Karoo

Prince Albert

49

40

Unallocated: 3317 (2112 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 51 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 4869 .We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Reduce the risk of gatherings this festive season:

December is usually time when we come together- we hold office functions, year-end parties, Christmas lunches and the province is known for its many events and gatherings.

But studies also show that Covid-19 spreads where people gather. In surveys in October, the Western Cape Government asked people where they thought they had contracted Covid. Of those who knew, 42% said they thought they had caught it at a social event or from a friend. 

This is why it is so important that they year, we do things differently to ensure that we do not put ourselves and others at risk.

Many matrics will be finishing their exams soon and while the official Rage celebration has been postponed, I call on matrics and their parents to act responsibly.  Please refrain from arranging or attending large, private functions and parties which could easily become super spreader events- in the interests of your own health, and those around you. Earlier this year, we saw how a number of young people became infected with Covid-19 after they were linked to a super-spreader event in the Southern Suburbs. We have also seen the warnings issued by National Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize after a number of young people became infected at an event in KZN. Law enforcement and SAPS will be monitoring businesses, venues and public spaces like beaches for these kinds of events and will act to enforce regulations.

It is in all of our hands to ensure that we are able to flatten the curve, save lives and ensure that our hospitals are able to continue to provide care for those with Covid-19, as well as those residents who need care for other illnesses and ailments.

The Department of Health has developed practical “safe keeping” tips for the public to follow and support the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19: 

Reconsider having a traditional celebration – go virtual, especially for those at highest risk of severe illness. 

Be careful about sharing your “air space” by avoiding crowds where you cannot keep 1.5m distance, and make sure you wear a mask. 

Avoid non-essential gatherings (get-togethers, social events, etc). Consider postponing year-end functions until it is safer to gather or use the funds to support a good cause.

Ensure the venue where you are has good ventilation by opening windows and doors. 

If you must gather, consider having get-togethers and social events outdoors. Opt for restaurants with outdoor seating or enjoy meals picnic style.

Always wear a mask when in public or when having people around. 

Limit the size of your get-together (more people = more risk) 

Keep them short (longer = more risk) 

If you are sick – stay home and arrange a test.

Quarantine if you have had a close contact and isolate while awaiting test results including from other household members and especially those at risk of severe COVID-19. 

Complete your full isolation period if you test positive. 

Issued by Western Cape Office of the Premier, 8 December 2020