Data note: It is not always possible to check and verify that the address data supplied for each new recorded case is correct, within the time frames required to provide regular and timely updates. This means that in some instances, cases could be allocated to the wrong sub-districts. We are working with the sub-districts to clean and verify the data and where errors are picked up locally, cases will be re-allocated to the correct areas.
More data is available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 24 deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 2841. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.
Story of hope:
Zintle Peter, a People Management practitioner, did not expect to contract COVID-19, as she is office-based. “I tested positive on 19 May. I am not sure where I contracted the virus, as I am office based and would do minimal shopping on my way home,” she says.
Although she had flu symptoms, she did not think it was serious. “I was in the office and had a query with one of the doctors. In our conversation I mentioned that I was feeling flu-ish. I remember telling her that I didn’t think it was serious. When I explained my symptoms were loss of taste and smell, she was convinced I may have COVID-19 and recommended I do a test. I did so, and three days later received my results and was told that I tested positive.”
Zintle says she was scared and had to prepare herself mentally for the possibility that she might have COVID-19. “While waiting for my results at home, I remember being very scared. I couldn’t sleep because of fear and kept thinking about what would happen to me and how I would cope. What if I was one of the individuals that would die? But by the time I received the news, I was ready”.
She spoke to her healthcare worker for advice on isolating at home. “I was given guidance about isolation and the use of utensils. I share a house with my cousin and daughter, aged seven. My cousin has a comorbidity, so it was important that we had to talk through what we needed to do as a family. We made arrangements as to how we would sleep, and move around the house. We also ensured that we cleaned and sanitised constantly,” says Zintle.
Zintle experienced headaches and chest congestion. She explains that dealing with her mental health was just as important as dealing with her physical health. “This experience taught me that my mental state was most important for me to deal with. My friends and family were very worried about me. I asked myself, how will I manage this virus? I reminded myself that if I were to pity myself and cry or give up, it would change nothing. I therefore chose to remain positive, and have an attitude of overcoming this virus. The support received from my family and neighbours was huge. I felt I had to tell neighbours, so that they could be informed, as they would notice supplies were dropped at the door and so that they would therefore understand. My neighbours were very helpful and thereafter would call and ask if anything was needed. I had a case Manager from our substructure that called frequently to check on symptoms, and I appreciated that a lot.”
She says staying positive is important in overcoming the virus. “I want to tell people that the most important thing to do besides treating your body, is to treat your mind, because if your mind is positive, you can fight it. People must ensure that they take care of themselves and take all the necessary precautions.”
