Update on the coronavirus and vaccines by Premier Alan Winde
As at 1pm on 29 July 2021, the Western Cape had 36 156 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 397 162 COVID-19 cases to date and 346 097 recoveries.
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Total number of COVID-19 cases to date |
397 162 |
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Total recoveries |
346 097 |
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Total deaths |
14 909 |
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Total active cases (currently infected patients) |
36 156 |
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Tests conducted |
2 009 987 |
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Hospitalisations |
3443 of which 724 are in high care or ICU |
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By 5pm on 28 July 2021, the Western Cape Government had administered a cumulative total of 1 072 838 vaccines to healthcare workers, staff in the education sector and those within eligible age brackets.
The current 7-day moving average is 90 deaths per day.
Additional data is available on the Western Cape COVID-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
You can also view the Western Cape Government’s vaccine registration dashboard by visiting: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine-dashboard
Western Cape Government is vaccinating residents in West Coast through roving teams
The Western Cape Government, through the Provincial Department of Health, is continuing to vaccinate residents through their roving teams.
The roving team recently visited the West Coast District office and supported fixed teams in the sub-districts while assisting with the vaccination of educators in the District.
The roving teams visit certain towns on allocated days due to limited vaccinators and administrative staff. They set up vaccination stations in venues like community halls. The West Coast District roving team also visits congregated settings including Old Age homes.
Among the West Coast Roving team’s members is Sr Hendriette Felix who said that she was inspired by the team’s ability to work together and their determination to provide an excellent service to the public.
Speaking to the service provided, Sr Feliz said: “A typical day for us vaccinators usually starts at 07:30 when we arrive on site. We then check the stock of consumables and prepare our workstations for the day.”
“Then follows the vaccines that need to be drawn up into the injectors. The team cannot draw on too much vaccines at a time, in order to prevent wastage. Once the members of the public arrive at 08:00 they are ready and start with the first clients. During the day, the vaccinators also keep record of how much vaccines are being administered and make sure it corresponds with the re-ordering form for the next visit to the particular vaccination site,” she continued.
For vaccination administrator, Tyran Paulsen, his day includes prepping vaccine cards and monitoring the EVDS network. He explains, “We prepare our devices and material the day before in order to be well prepared. We always arrive early at the vaccination site to make sure we start on time and don’t keep anyone waiting.”
Sr Felix is thankful for the support received from patients and explains: “One gentleman started howling like a dog when I administered his injection. He joked and said that the vaccine is bringing out the dog inside him.” She explains that light-hearted moments like these make her day.
“Members of the public can rest assured that we as a team of vaccinators and other role players in Western Cape Government Health are doing everything we can to keep our communities safe and we are truly thankful for those who support us, regardless of the negativity we sometimes hear about the vaccines,” said Sr Felix.
We are seeing an average of 2439 new COVID-19 infections a day
During my weekly digital press conference today, it was highlighted that the province is seeing on average 2439 new COVID-19 diagnoses each day. Admissions to hospitals are also increasing with an average of 307 new admissions per day. Deaths have increased to approximately 90 a day.
In the Metro:
- Overall, there is a 1% week-on-week decrease in daily new cases in the Metro.
- Most sub-districts are seeing a plateau or small decreases in new case numbers in the last week.
In the rural communities:
- There is a similar plateau in the graphs with small increases in case numbers in the rural districts.
- The exception is Central Karoo, which has had a high percent increase in case numbers during the last week, although the absolute numbers there are small.
Insofar as our acute service platform is concerned:
- There are currently 3 433 COVID-19 patients in our acute hospitals, 1 805 in public hospitals and 1 638 in private hospitals. This excludes persons under investigation and cases in specialised hospital settings.
- COVID-19 patients and persons under investigation currently make up 29% of all available acute general hospital capacity in both Metro and Rural Regional Hospital drainage areas.
- COVID-19 inter-mediate care: the Brackengate Hospital of Hope currently has 274 patients, Freesia and Ward 99 have 0 patients, Mitchell Plain Hospital of Hope has 88 patients and Sonstraal currently has 63 patients.
- The Metro mass fatality centre has the capacity for 240 bodies and currently, 33 decedents (a cumulative total of 1 709 bodies) are admitted. The overall capacity has been successfully managed across the province.
Let’s ensure that we play our part and flatten the curve. Together, we can save both lives and livelihoods.
