KNYSNA | PLETT NEWS - The number of new Covid-19 cases in Knysna has slowed considerably in the past month, while in Bitou relief has come in the past week, as the areas continue to hope that they have beaten the peak.
Between 17 and 24 July, Knysna recorded 258 new cases (the highest number yet), but this dropped to 197 between 24 and 31 July. The number of new cases dropped further by 42 in the week that followed (31 July to 7 August), with 155 new cases recorded.
This past week (7 August to 14 August), Knysna recorded 78 new cases of Covid-19.
This morning, Friday 14 August, Knysna stood at a total of 1 197 cases, with 1 001 (83.63%) of these recovered, 33 deaths, and 163 active cases.
In Bitou, between 17 and 24 July there were 75 new cases, but the following week (24 to 31 July), the subdistrict recorded 79 new cases. The week thereafter (31 July to 7 August), however, the subdistrict had 84 new cases. But, it has since drastically improved as in the week that has passed (7 to 14 August), Bitou recorded 35 new cases of Covid-19, less than half of the week before.
This morning, Bitou stood at 502 cases with 417 (83.07%) of these recovered, 16 deaths, and 69 active cases.
Despite the positive indications with the cases dropping, the Western Cape Department of Health (DoH) advised to not get too excited just yet.
"There are some encouraging signs, but it is too early to say for sure if we have passed our peak," said Nadia Ferreira, spokesperson for the DoH.
"The percentage of positive cases for Knysna and Bitou as part of all tests done has stabilised and is showing a decline. Communities however need to remain vigilant for the symptoms of Covid-19, wear their masks, wash their hands regularly and keep a social distance when in public."
Statistics the past two months:
Knysna
End-week date : Total cases (Increase from previous date)
19 June : 96
29 June : 142 (46)
4 July : 215 (73)
10 July : 328 (113)
17 July : 509 (181)
24 July : 767 (258)
31 July : 964 (197)
7 August : 1 119 (155)
14 August: 1 197 (78)
Bitou
End-week date : Total cases (Increase from previous date)
19 June : 22
29 June : 55 (33)
4 July : 78 (23)
10 July : 139 (61)
17 July : 229 (90)
24 July : 304 (75)
31 July : 383 (79)
7 August : 467 (84)
14 August: 502 (35)
'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'
