Media Release: Local Government in Garden Route identifies dozens of regional COVID-19 care sites

For Immediate Release
22 April 2020

Local Government in the Garden Route district have identified various sites in the region that could be used as sites for self-isolation, public isolation and the quarantine of people affected by COVID-19. A basket of services will be provided by the National Department of Public Works, the Western Cape Department of Health will look after the health of individuals and local municipalities will ensure that basic services at all sites continue.

“South Africa’s situation is different to many other parts of the world because many of our community members still live in informal settlements. Dense small spaces and a lack of proper sanitation are still issues many face in all nine (9) provinces in South Africa. It is for this reason that we identified dozens of sites where vulnerable members of society will be housed,” said Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen.

“GRDM also made available De Hoek Mountain Resort and Calitzdorp Spa as quarantine and isolation sites.”

According to Gerhard Otto, head of disaster management at GRDM, facilities are categorised by the level of care patients would require. These levels include:

• Level 1: Acute hospitals – 7 hospitals identified
• Level 2: Step-down facility – 1 identified
• Level 3: Private quarantine – 15 sites identified
• Level 4: Private self-isolation site – 2 sites identified
• Level 5: Public isolation centre – 22 centres identified
• 7 shelters and 7 feeding sites have also been identified.

It is important for the public to understand the difference between terms used by government. “Quarantine” for instance means the restriction of activities and/or separation from others of persons suspected to be ill (asymptomatic). The purpose of quarantine is to prevent the transmission of diseases. “Isolation” on the other hand is the separation of ill or COVID-19 positive persons or affected baggage, containers, conveyances, goods, or postal parcels from others in such a manner as to prevent the spread of infection or contamination.  Isolation can be applied to and by any person to curb the spread of COVID-19.

We have received numerous emails from the public who are anxious about rumours of quarantine facilities close to their homes or in their towns. The district municipality understands that there are concerns about this but assures the public that all the relevant protocols will be followed to protect the public from any risk of exposure to those infected by COVID-19. We will follow strict step-by-step international standards to ensure that every person is safe.

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za