Premier Alan Winde updates on Coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine 25 March

Update on the coronavirus and vaccine rollout by Premier Alan Winde

As of 1pm on 25 March, the Western Cape has 2163 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 279 110 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 265 491 recoveries. A total of 36 098 out of the 44 040 vaccines received to date as part of the Sisonke trial, had been administered by 5pm on 24 March.
 

The Western Cape has recorded 5 additional deaths, bringing the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the province to 11 431. 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 

Covid-19 data is showing good news in the Western Cape:

The Western Cape’s response to Covid-19 is based on evidence, science and data, and that is why every week we share this information with the public.

Our latest data continues to show good news for the Western Cape:

• There continues to be a decline in cases, admissions and deaths in the Western Cape (although starting to plateau).
• The proportion of positive tests remains stable at 5.1%.
• We are approaching the situation seen between the first and second waves, although we have not reached it yet.
• The reproductive number remains below 1.
• Cases in the Cape Metro declined by 20%.
• Cases in the rural districts overall have declined by 26%.
• 18 treatment plants have detected no Covid-19 in wastewater, up from 9 previously.
• There are only 20 active Covid-19 cases amongst our healthcare workers  

Our surveillance teams are ensuring heightened vigilance over this time, and where clusters are picked up, we are taking swift action to intervene. These clusters are often linked to irresponsible behaviour where mask wearing, and other safety measures were not adhered to.

“Seroprevalence research shows that there is still vulnerability in most communities”

The Western Cape Government has tested for seroprevalence after the ‘second wave’ to determine vulnerability for future waves in our province.

To put it simply, our research wants to find out how many people have Covid-19 antibodies that would allow for greater protection against infection in the future.

We specifically tested:

• Public sector diabetic patient specimens
• Private sector diabetic patient specimens
• Public sector HIV patient specimens
• Public sector children attending Red Cross Children’s Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital

The results found that in diabetics in the public sector

• Seroprevalence in the Cape Metro was approximately 47%
• The Cape Winelands District, Central Karoo District, and the Garden Route District also had seroprevalence rates higher than 40%
• The Overberg District and West Coast District had seroprevalence rates under 40%, pointing to greater vulnerability

In addition:

• Seroprevalence is highest in 30-44-year-old groups and decreases with age, meaning those at highest risk remain vulnerable
• Seroprevalence in the public sector is consistently higher in females than males
• There is lower seroprevalence in more affluent communities
• Overall, no community has reached herd immunity of 65% and every single community remains vulnerable to future resurgences (to varying degrees).

What does this mean, simply?

Not enough people have either been infected with the virus and developed antibodies, or have been vaccinated, to prevent a ‘third wave’. There is still a very high risk of resurgence, and we must continue to do everything possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“Personal responsibility best way to delay a ‘third wave’ for as long as possible”

That is why my main message at today’s digital press conference was that every single person in our province must urgently heighten their vigilance, to think smartly, and to avoid either being infected with, or spreading Covid-19 this holiday season.

If we all stay safe in this way, we can delay the “third wave” for as long as possible, and we can continue to save lives and livelihoods in the Western Cape.

Please urge your family, friends, neighbours and loved ones to:

• Avoid crowded places, especially where there is poor ventilation.
• Wear a mask whenever in public, or with people outside of your own household.
• Gather outdoors, and remember to keep it short and small, to limit exposure.
• Protect those at greatest risk of severe Covid-19 infection such as those with comorbidities and the elderly.  
• Think smartly and act responsibly so that you don’t put yourself in a situation where you either get infected with Covid-19 or spread Covid-19.