Premier Alan Winde updates on coronavirus covid-19 in Western Cape

Update on the coronavirus by Premier Alan Winde – Cases rise across province and police action taken against residents who disobey lockdown laws

Latest cases:

A total of 298 infections have been confirmed in the Western Cape.

Regional breakdown

  • City of Cape Town: 235
  • Garden Route: 18
  • Cape Winelands: 17
  • Overberg: 7
  • Unknown: 21
  • Deaths: 1

A total of 10 people have now been hospitalised in the Western Cape, with four of these in intensive care. The increase in hospitalisation of patients should act as a stark warning to us all that this virus can have severe health effects. Each and every one of us needs to abide by the lockdown regulations if we are to stop its spread. 

Lockdown:

Despite government’s every attempt to ensure people stay at home, numerous people have been arrested and fined throughout the province as a result of non-compliance with the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. 

These regulations have been put in place in order to slow the spread of the Coronavirus so that our healthcare system is not overwhelmed by a sudden spike. If people do not adhere to them and stay in their homes, they are putting their own lives, and the lives of others at risk.

There are still far too many people who are not taking the lockdown seriously- it is these communities that will be the hardest hit with rising infections, in the coming weeks.

The regulations are clear- other than employees working for essential services, everyone else must stay at home. You can only leave the house to buy food, go to the pharmacy, seek medical attention or collect a grant.

Reporting procedures and assistance:

Members of the public are urged to report incidents of non-compliance to 10111, to their nearest police station or to local law enforcement.

Members of the public also have rights in terms of how they are treated by the police. In the event of police brutality, the Independent Police Investigations Directorate has established a hotline for the Western Cape which is 073 890 1269.

Members of the public are reminded that this line is only for reporting incidents of police brutality in line with its mandate. This includes the following:

  • A death in police custody.
  • A death as a result of police action.
  • Discharge of a police firearm.
  • Rape by a police official, on- or off-duty.
  • Rape in police custody.
  • Assault by a police officer. 

For COVID-19 related medical concerns, and if you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home and call the national hotline on 0800 029 999 or the Western Cape hotline on 021 928 4102 for further advice. You can also use the Western Cape Government’s coronavirus self-screening tool: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/sars-cov-2-risk-assessment-form 

Members of the public can also check whether their question has been asked and answered in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website. These can be found at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/frequently-asked-questions

Businesses with queries can direct them to the COVID-19 Content Centre for Business at supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za

Media enquiries:
Bianca Capazorio
Tel: 072 372 7044
E-mail: bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za

Province

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