Covid-19 cases see downturn in Knysna, Bitou

KNYSNA | BITOU NEWS – The trend of decreasing Covid-19 numbers continues in Knysna while cases in Bitou are again decreasing after a slight upturn last week.

With the fourth wave of the pandemic slowly but surely beginning to wind down, the vaccination drive continues.

As at Monday 17 January the Western Cape has seen 2 834 727 registrations for the Covid-19 vaccine, 50,51% of the eligible population. In the Garden Route a total of 250 572 people have registered for the vaccine, 50,61% of the eligible population.

In Knysna there has been a total of 35 734 vaccine registrations, which is 62,25% of the eligible population. Bitou has seen a total of 21 775 vaccine registrations, 51,24% of the eligible population.

The Khethimpilio Outreach Programme continues this week, making a turn at the Knysna Provincial Hospital this time around. In Bitou there will be a vaccine outreach on Saturday 22 January to the farms in Nature's Valley and the Covie area.

As at Tuesday 18 January, Knysna had recorded a total of 9 570 cases of Covid-19, of which 8 997 have recovered, 278 have died, and 295 are active cases. The number of new cases in the past week, 103, represents a decrease of 32,24% (-44) from the week before.

The active cases also decreased, falling by 43,27% (-225), and are now the lowest since early December.

The recovery rate has climbed to 94,01% (91,06% last week) while the mortality rate is 2,9%. The deaths increased somewhat, climbing by six.

Graphics: Blake Linder

In Bitou as at Wednesday, 5 501 Covid-19 cases had been recorded, with 5 145 having recovered, 140 having died, and 216 being active cases. This shows 74 new cases recorded between 11 and 18 January, less than half of what was seen last week. This indicates a 54,60% (-89) decrease.

The active cases fell by 44,47% (-173) this week, again the lowest since early December. The recovery rate is now 93,53% (90,26% last week), and the mortality rate is 2,5%. After two weeks of increases, the deaths have stayed the same.