GARDEN ROUTE | HESSEQUA | KAROO NEWS - Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde's doctor is pleased with his progress in fighting the virus. In a press statement issued this afternoon, 10 July, Winde said his temperature is lower, and although his blood glucose levels remain elevated as they have subsided somewhat.
Winde has been advised to continue to rest for the duration of the weekend, noting that due to having diabetes, he is in a high risk category. He wishes all residents good health, and speedy recoveries for those who are ill.
Winde also send well-wishes to North West Premier Job Mokgoro and Gauteng Premier David Makhura who have both tested positive for COVID-19 over the past few days, and hopes that they are safe and well during this time.
Winde has expressed his sincere appreciation for all the well wishes he has received.
Western Cape statistics:
The latest Covid-19 related statistics were also released. Winde said the Western Cape has 16 302 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 75 718 confirmed cases and 57 134 recoveries.
He also confirmed the 2 282 deaths in the province. “There are a total of 16 302 active cases with 344 109 test conducted. With 1 680 hospitalised and 322 in ICU or high care.”
The Health Department also confirmed Covid-19 related statistics for the Garden Route District. The Garden Route has recorded 47 Covid-19 deaths.
In George there are 1 186 cases, and 570 recoveries, in Mossel Bay 494 cases and 189 recoveries, in Knysna 353 cases and 172 recoveries, in Bitou 147 cases and 66 recoveries, in Oudtshoorn 196 cases and 54 recoveries and in Hessequa 38 cases and 27 recoveries and Kannaland 26 cases and 11 recoveries.
Health systems update:
Nadia Ferreira a communications officer for the department of health says the department’s approach to finding active Covid-19 cases within the rural areas, remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people >55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities).
To date 133 536 people have been screened and 851 referred for testing. Isolation and quarantine Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results.
These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.
She says PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route.
More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. There are currently 86 people at West Camp.
Ferreira says the department urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services. “We remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments.”
Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “Should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.”
Premier Winde update:
Winde says the Western Cape Government continues to work to ensure that health systems are functioning ahead of the infection peak.
Hospitalisation numbers have remained stable in the 1 700 to 1 800 range for several weeks and the province currently has 1680 people in hospital in the province, with 322 of these in ICU or high care.
“The intermediate field hospitals have to date played a very important role in ensuring that we are able to provide the appropriate level of care to those who need it. In its first month of operations, the Cape Town Hospital of Hope had admitted a total of 847 patients, with 544 already discharged home, with 40 deaths.”
He says a total of 3 589 healthcare workers have been infected in the public sector in the province. We are very pleased that over 78% of these have recovered, with only 746 active cases.
“We have however unfortunately recorded 28 healthcare worker deaths. We send our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of these 28 and we honour them for their hard work, and for the love and care they shared with patients across their many years in service of the people of this province.”
A total of almost 4 000 people have been admitted to quarantine and isolation facilities in the province since the start of the pandemic. There are currently 615 people in isolation and 231 in quarantine in facilities in both the rural and metro regions of the province.
These facilities provide a comfortable and safe space for residents to quarantine or isolate, allowing them to protect their loved ones at home. Anyone seeking to make use of the facilities or looking for more information can call the Western Cape COVID-19 hotline on 021 928 4102.
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