Premier Alan Winde update on Coronavirus COVID-19 on 3 February

As of 1pm on 3 February, the Western Cape has 10 544 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 267 893 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 246 912 recoveries.

The Western Cape has recorded 60 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 10 437. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

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. Access the data dashboard here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

​Responsible behaviour will ensure a balance between saving lives and livelihoods:

This afternoon I paid a visit to a surf business in Muizenberg which has been severely impacted by the beach ban.

With the lifting of the ban, they can return to regular operations- providing a safe and healthy activity, while at the same time ensuring that many of their 120 permanent and part-time staff can return to work.

Across the Western Cape coastline, thousands of businesses have similar stories to tell as the lockdown severely impacted tourism, hospitality and the ocean's economy.

I was pleased to see during my visit that people are supporting beach front businesses, businesses have safety protocols in place and many of those visiting the beaches were wearing their masks and taking precautions. 

Now that we have passed our peak, and regulations have been relaxed slightly, we must focus our attention on the province's recovery. We must ensure that we protect jobs and grow the economy, create safer communities and ensure access to services which promote dignity and wellbeing.

In order to do this, we must act responsibly so that we achieve the balance between saving lives and allowing our economy to function. We must do this so that we can save jobs that allow people to put food on the table and protect their livelihoods.

I must remind all those who are still not wearing their masks in public, that it remains compulsory to do so. This is because mask wearing is key in protecting yourself and all those around you.

Every single one of us has a responsibility and a role to play in saving lives and ensuring that we can move forward safely. In order to do this, we must all be wearing our masks, washing our hands, keeping our distance and avoiding gatherings, crowds and confined spaces.

Together, we have already achieved so much, but our work is not yet done.

I thank all of those residents and healthcare workers who continue to fight to save lives every single day.