Media Release: Update on Coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde-protecting frontline services key to providing appropriate healthcare.

1 April 2020

As at 00h01 on 31 March 2020, a total of 370 positive COVID-19 cases had been recorded in the province.

Sub District Breakdown (Cape Town metro):

Sub District Breakdown (Non-metro):

Not allocated by address: 3

A note for media on the statistics reported: Lab results are accessed directly from laboratories in the province, and there can be a lag between these results and those formally registered on the system with the National Department of Health. This can create discrepancies between the national and provincial data but does not impact the accuracy of any of the numbers released.

We currently have 16 patients in hospital, with four receiving treatment in ICU.

Our contact tracing teams continue to work to quickly identify and isolate close contacts in all instances of a positive case being identified. We currently have 20 people whom we have placed into isolation facilities, where they are receiving appropriate care. We acknowledge that for some, self-isolation will not always be possible and we are working to identify additional facilities to be used as quarantine and isolation sites across the province.

Our aim is to provide appropriate medical care to those who are diagnosed with COVID-19, no matter where in the province they are.

In order to do this, our healthcare workers and frontline staff must be kept safe.

Over the past week, we have continued to see a number of attacks on our Emergency Medical Services officials and vehicles.

Health Minister NomafrenchMbombo said: “I strongly condemn the senseless attacks on our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials and vehicles. It is important for our people to realize that safety of communities is inextricably linked to the safety of health workers. It is sad that often these attacks take place in extremely vulnerable communities where emergency services are most needed. Currently we are facing challenging service pressures with the COVID-19 pandemic in our country. This is a period where Emergency Medical Services will be in demand at a community-level, even more than usual, in the public health system I urge all residents to protect EMS personnel while they are rendering this crucial service and should they witness any attacks, to report these to police immediately.”

Police:

Today, the leadership of the SAPS in the Western Cape briefed our cabinet on their operations during this lockdown period.

Cabinet requested clarity on SAPS’s interpretation of some of the regulations, and raised issues of police brutality. Police brutality of any form should not be tolerated and we call on all members of the community who have experienced violence at the hands of SAPS officers to report these to IPID.

Repatriations:

SAPS also briefed the cabinet on the repatriation of foreign nationals, in line with the announcements made by Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula. These repatriations will be done in controlled exercises for foreign nationals whose home countries will be sending chartered flights. The Western Cape Government, through our Joint Operations Centre, is working to make these processes as smooth and safe as possible.

First Thursday:

Due to the nationwide lockdown, in-person First Thursday has been put on hold but tomorrow, Premier Winde will be participating in a special First Thursday Lockdown edition radio show From 6pm – 6:30pm this Thursday, residents will be able to call in for a live Q&A with Premier Winde on Coronavirus, and measures to stop the spread. It will be aired on Bush Radio and simulcast on Radio Atlantis, Eden fm, Gamka Magic828, Namakwaland, Tygerberg, Valley fm and Voice of the Cape. A recording of the show will also be aired on Friday on Zibonele and Radio 786.

Issued by Bianca M Capazorio on behalf of Premier Alan Winde, 1 April 2020