Author: Marlene Nqumse

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 25 May 2020

Release: immediately

Welcoming Alert Level 3 and opening of the construction sector to save jobs

We welcome the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa last night that the whole of South Africa will be moving to Alert Level 3 from 1 June 2020, and that all economic activity will resume except for certain sectors.

We are particularly glad to hear that the construction sector will be allowed to resume activity under Alert Level 3 as this is critical to saving jobs and the economy in the Western Cape. This sector is already under enormous strain and an estimated 100,000 direct and indirect jobs could be lost due to the impact of Covid-19. And so, we will be working closely with the sector to help them implement the necessary health and safety measures on construction sites ahead of Alert Level 3.

More details on which sectors will not be allowed to open are likely to be confirmed with the release of the Alert Level 3 regulations by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. As we have with the Alert Level 4 regulations, and in particular for the e-commerce and construction sectors, where we think that further consideration can be made for these sectors to safely open we will make further submissions to national government to do so.

We remain concerned about the tourism sector which is a major contributor to jobs and the economy in the Western Cape, and at present is only looking likely to open under Alert Level 2. This sector has already been hard-hit and could cost the Western Cape around 104 504 direct and indirect jobs in 2020. And so, where we think there are opportunities for tourism to open up safely and responsibly under Alert Level 3 we will request that national government allow this.

We firmly believe that if done responsibly, the economy in the Western Cape can open up while preventing the spread of Covid-19, and we are committed to supporting businesses through this crisis.

• For assistance in understanding the regulations, guidance on workplace safety or help navigating the financial relief packages email us at supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za
• For guidance on workplace safety, view our health guidelines here:  coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections
• For Covid-19 safety information resources for the workplace, visit our website (see business section): coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources
• If businesses are looking to purchase Personal Protective Equipment visit our PPE marketplace: supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace

To avoid a return to a hard lockdown, it is imperative that every business that is operating now, or which opens under the new alert level, plays by the rules, and implements the necessary health and safety measures as instructed by national government to avoid further negative impacts on their respective sector.

It is just as important that every person returning to the workplace always adheres to the safety guidelines that are put in place by their employer, even when taking a break in a communal area.

If any employee feels that their employer is not following the health guidelines in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, they can report it using this online form: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

Every employer and employee has a responsibility to ensure that our economy stays open in the Western Cape.

We all need to stay safe in order to save jobs.

We will all have to pull together, and we will all have to work together, in the coming days, and weeks, and months because, in the end, it is up to all of us to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the Western Cape.

Notes for media: 

• Please find soundbyte from Minister Maynier attached.
• To view the statement online, visit:  https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/welcoming-alert-level-3-and-opening-construction-sector-save-jobs

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150 / Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

25 May 2020

The first cold front for the winter made landfall early this morning in Cape Town. It has brought stormy, cold and wet weather reinforced by gale force winds across large parts of the province. The South African Weather Services has advised that the conditions can be expected into the rest of the week with snowfall expected in the mountain passes in the province.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, has urged the public to use caution when traveling outdoors over the next few days.

“We’re happy to see some wet weather in the Western Cape because it means our dam levels will get a much needed boost. At the moment the dam levels across the province are 35.1%. Last year at this time the level was 33.5%. We hope to see more rainfall especially in our Karoo and Upper West Coast regions. At the same time, the rain comes with very cold weather and that brings new challenges for the public as well as the emergency services.”

Provincial as well as Municipal Disaster Management Centres are already activated for the ongoing COVID-19 situation and remain fully operational and able to assist with any emergency.

“The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.”

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 49.9% full this week (2019: 55.5%. Last week: 50.5%)

Bergriver Dam 64.2% full this week (2019: 70%. Last week: 64.8%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 49.5% full this week (2019: 35.5%. Last week: 49.9%)

Clanwilliam Dam 5.2%. (2019: 9.5%. Last week: 5.2%)

25 May 2020

As of 1pm on 25 May, the Western Cape has 7439 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 14 978 confirmed cases and 7221 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub-districts:

Unallocated: 638 (69 recovered)

Additional data can be found on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 18 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 318. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this time.

Testing backlogs:

A total of 124 079 tests have been completed in the Western Cape- representing a 400% increase in the number of tests conducted in the province since 25 April. This increase in testing in the Western Cape and in other provinces has resulted in a considerable backlog in the processing of these tests and in the release of their results by the National Health Laboratory Services.

The NHLS is a national entity, and the Western Cape has previously written to both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize regarding the backlogs which are creating considerable delays in people receiving their test results back. During his recent visit to the Western Cape, Minister Mkhize indicated that the delays were due to shortages of reagents and test kits which are being experienced world-wide.

The backlog in the Western Cape has now grown to approximately 18 000 tests.

In the absence of a rapid-test solution, the decision is to prioritise healthcare workers, those in hospital and those at high risk including the elderly and those with underlying conditions in order to ensure the most efficient way of managing the curve of the disease in this phase of community transmission.

We once again call on both the President and Minister Mkhize to move as quickly as possible to ensure that the NHLS is provided with the resources it so urgently requires and that testing across the country can continue unhindered.

Alert level 3:

Today marks one week until the entire country will move to Alert Level 3. This will be done in conjunction with our targeted hotspot plan.

We welcome this move which will allow many more people to be able to put food on the table. We are facing a very serious humanitarian crisis, which must be averted if we are to save lives in the future too.

But we must be absolutely clear- this does not mean life must go back to normal. It will not be business as usual in the Western Cape.  We will all need to work much harder to protect ourselves and to protect our loved ones.

For those businesses that will be re-opening, it is up to you to ensure the safety of your staff and of your customers. Use the next week to prepare your plans and ensure that everything is in place so that there is social distancing in place at all times, hygiene measures and cleaning routines are in place and risks are removed. Businesses can find a list of workplace protocols and sector specific steps here (LINK)

There is also greater responsibility on every single person returning to work next week. Make sure that you are washing your hands regularly, that you are wearing your mask and that there is always distance between you and other people. You must stay home if you feel ill so that you don’t make others around you ill. Please also remember that if you have any difficulty breathing, you must seek urgent healthcare.

The Western Cape Government is working around the clock to make sure that all our healthcare responses are in place, and that our hotspot plan is being efficiently and effectively executed. But we cannot fight this Covid-19 pandemic alone. We need everyone to help us by taking responsibility for themselves, and for their loved ones, so that we can protect the vulnerable from infection.

We have not yet reached the peak yet, and the situation is going to get worse before it gets better. So please keep safe, keep your loved ones safe, and save lives.

Donations for healthcare workers:

Today, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo and I received a donation of over 2700 pairs of shoes and warm tops from Adidas, which will be distributed to healthcare workers in Cape Town, Gauteng and Kwa Zulu Natal.

Healthcare workers are at the frontline of our response to COVID-19 and comfortable shoes are important as they spend long hours on their feet. With winter weather starting to descend on the Western Cape, warm tops for our health-workers working early morning or late-night shifts, will be most welcome. We extend our gratitude to Adidas for their generous donation.

I would also like to thank all of those individuals, businesses and organisations who have stepped up to help us in the response to this pandemic. Whether it is through donations for our healthcare workers, providing meals for the hungry or volunteering time to make a difference at a time when many are experiencing difficulty, your assistance and your kindness are deeply valued.

24 May 2020

The Western Cape Government welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the entire country will move to Alert Level 3, in conjunction with the targeted hotspot plan.

This targeted hotspot plan will utilise our combined government resources to slow the spread of the virus, to protect vulnerable people, and to save lives. We look forward to working with all levels of government in implementing this plan.

We are facing a very serious situation in the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa. The lockdown did not stop the virus, it only bought us time. It will continue to spread, and more and more people will be infected over the coming weeks.

To put it simply: things are going to get worse before they get better. We cannot let our foot off the pedal now, and in fact, we must work harder than ever before to slow the spread of this virus.

That is why it will not be business as usual in the Western Cape. We must all change our behaviour to keep safe and to save lives.

Every single one of us has a role to play in doing this. When you keep yourself safe – by wearing a cloth mask when in public, by keeping your distance, by following the golden rules of hygiene and by staying home as much as possible – you keep your loved ones safe too.

While most people will recover after being infected, some of the people we love the most, who might be older or have an underlying health condition, may not. We must change the way we live so that they are protected too.

I know that if we all work together in this way, with this common goal, we can get through this difficult time for our province and country. The responsibility on all of us has never been greater. So please keep safe and help us save lives.

[ENDS]

The details of the Western Cape’s targeted hotspot plan can be viewed here:  https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/western-cape-s-whole-government-targeted-hotspot-plan-we-need-save-lives-present-and-future

The details of how the Western Cape’s health response has been adapted to protect high risk and vulnerable people can be viewed here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/our-priority-protect-vulnerable-and-those-high-risk-our-curve-rises

The interventions taken by the Western Cape Government to prepare the province for the peak of infections can be found here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/western-cape-has-prepared-its-healthcare-system-peak-and-must-move-level-3-conjunction-targeted

The details of how the Western Cape Government is working with business to ensure they open safely and responsibly: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/helping-businesses-open-safely-and-responsibly

24 May 2020

As of 1pm on 24 May, the Western Cape has 6719 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 13 696 confirmed cases and 6950 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 667 (63 recovered).

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 24 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 300. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this time.

President Ramaphosa’s address:

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this evening where we hope he will announce a move to alert level three for the whole country. During the most recent President’s Coordinating Council meeting, the Western Cape presented on its hotspot strategy, which is focused on limiting the number of new infections in the areas where infections are highest, and responding to the impact of the coronavirus and the national lockdown through an all of government, data driven approach. Our health response includes identifying those most at risk, including healthcare workers, and repurposes our community screening and testing efforts to make sure that more can be done quicker, to save lives.

This targeted approach, which enables more of the economy to open up while intervening rigorously in hotspots to slow the virus, also takes into consideration the very severe humanitarian crisis which is unfolding in South Africa today. This cannot be ignored. It will impact the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities who will no longer be able to put food on the table. We must do everything we can to save lives now, and we must do it in a way that also saves lives in the future. This must be based on the best available scientific advice at all times. This has been the Western Cape Government’s position.

Recoveries:

The Western Cape continues to record recoveries across the province, now approaching 7000.

In Witzenberg, where our targeted hotspot plan was first piloted, over 80% of the total number of COVID-19 positive patients, have now recovered. In Khayelitsha, 60% of the total case load to date has recovered, and in the Tygerberg region, 56% of the total number of cases have already recovered.

The role of citizens:

We are working around the clock to make sure that we can provide care to every person who needs it. But we simply cannot do it alone. We need every single person to help us slow the spread, and in doing so, to save lives.

While you may not get seriously ill, those who are older, and those with underlying health conditions are at great risk. When you protect yourself, you protect these vulnerable groups too.

How can you help?

• If you are sick, stay home and first call our hotline for advice. If you are battling to breath, seek urgent healthcare.
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times, including regularly washing your hands and coughing into a tissue or the corner of your arm.
• Always wear a clean cloth mask when you go out in public. A mask alone will not protect you so always follow the golden rules of good hygiene too.
• Avoid all gatherings of people – this is where the virus spreads.
• Keep your distance from others – at least 1.5 metres. It is completely respectful and polite to tell someone to keep their distance if they are standing too close to you.If we all act in this way, we can interrupt the chain of transmission, slow the spread of the virus, and protect those we love. This is how we can all contribute to saving lives.

Cuban doctors:
Today, Western Cape Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo and the HOD for the Department of Health, Dr Keith Cloete welcomed a cohort of Cuban doctors to the Western Cape. They form part of a group of over 200 doctors and medical specialists who came to South Africa from Cuba to assist in the response to COVID-19 as part of an agreement between Cuba, and the national Department of Health. We wish them well during their stay in the province. They will join the thousands of dedicated and skilled doctors, nurses and healthcare workers already working on the frontline response to the pandemic in the province. The province has also issued a call for people with medical experience to volunteer, and has received over 1000 applications. We will be calling on them to bolster our healthcare response as needed over the coming weeks and months.

23 May 2020

As of 1pm on 23 May, the Western Cape has 6146 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 12947 confirmed cases and 6525 recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 673 (56 recovered)

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 19 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 276. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this time.

Hospitalisation:

The Western Cape is starting to see increased patients receiving care in our hospitals as we move towards the peak of the infection in the province. At the close of business yesterday, 557 patients were being treated in hospital, with 154 of these in ICU or high care. The Western Cape hospital system has the capacity to deal with the demand for hospital beds at this time.

In our preparedness planning, the province has taken into account all of the available beds in both the public and the private sector.

Our existing public sector capacity can provide 2162 acute beds, which includes 658 additional beds created through expansion.

We are also bringing online 1428 additional intermediate care beds in our temporary or “field hospitals” in the Western Cape. Construction on the hospital facility at the CTICC, which will provide 850 of these beds, is well underway and on track for completion in the first week of June. Another 330 beds will be made available at a temporary hospital at Brakengate, 150 at the Cape Winelands Sonstraal Hospital, 68 at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, and 30 additional beds at Tygerberg hospital.

In the critical care space (ICU and high care), we will reach a total of 850 ICU beds in the province, the majority of which already exist. We currently have 150 existing beds at public healthcare facilities. An additional 100 beds are being added. We have also arranged to purchase 300 ICU beds from the private sector for public sector patients. The private sector also has an additional 300 ICU beds available in addition to these.

The vast majority of people who contract COVID-19, will not require hospitalisation which is evidenced by the fact that more than half of our total caseload have now recovered. However, in order to ensure that we are able to offer the appropriate level of care to those who need it, we need every resident to play their part to reduce infections, and more specifically to protect the vulnerable who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. As we have indicated before, even in the best case scenario, and with both private and public beds, we will fall short of ICU beds.

This requires us to take stock of our behaviour and look at ways in which we can make changes to help flatten the curve and reduce the risk of transmission. This includes staying home as much as possible, especially if you are over 60 or have an underlying illness. When leaving home, hygiene measures such as washing or sanitizing your hands, not touching your face and keeping your distance from other people are highly important. Wearing a clean, cloth mask should not replace these behaviours, but they should all be used together, for maximum effectiveness.

Eid:

Tomorrow, our Muslim residents will mark the holy day of Eid. This is a time that is traditionally marked by attending Mosque and visiting with family and loved ones. This year’s Eid celebrations will be markedly different as a result of lockdown in South Africa but I hope that despite not being able to share the day with all of your loved ones in person, that the day does not lose its spirit of kindness, sharing and connectedness. May all of our Muslim residents have a blessed Eid celebration.

22 May 2020

As of 1pm on 22 May, the Western Cape has 6136 active cases of Covid-19, with a total of 12 519 confirmed cases and 6126  recoveries.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 1024 (66 recovered)

Additional data can be accessed on the dashboard at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 22 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 257. We send our condolences to the family and the loved ones of the deceased at this time.

Recoveries:

The province has recorded a number of new recoveries and over 6000 people have recovered. It is also positive to see that only about half of the total number of cases reported in the province, are currently active.

It is important to remember that most people who contract COVID-19 will recover and 90% of cases will not require hospitalisation.

I want to stress though that some people, especially the elderly and those with underlying conditions can get seriously ill, and a person who may not get that sick could pass it to these vulnerable groups. We have to change our behaviour to protect ourselves and the people we love.

It is also very heartening to see that 65% of the healthcare workers in the province who have contracted COVID-19, have recovered. In total, the province has recorded 421 infections in healthcare workers in the province (both public and private sector) and 274 of these have recovered.

We thank all of our healthcare workers for the sterling work they are doing in healthcare facilities in the province, helping to fight this virus on the frontlines. The province has unfortunately recorded six healthcare worker deaths including one doctor, three nurses, and three other healthcare workers. We thank them for their incredible service to the province and send our condolences to their families.

Covid-19 spending and procurement:

Today, Finance Minister David Maynier and the Provincial Treasury team briefed the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s ad hoc committee on COVID-19 on our COVID-19 spending thus far.

To date, we have committed R1.14 billion to COVID-19 expenditure to be used in order to procure necessary supplies such as PPE, medical equipment and beds as part of our healthcare response, and in our humanitarian response in order to mitigate the impact of the virus and the lockdown on residents.

The R1.14 billion includes spending on:

-R628 million to the Department of Health for personal protective equipment, laboratory tests, hospital beds and ventilators;

-R273 million to the Department of Education for personal protective equipment, 7019 digital infrared non-touch thermometers for schools and, sanitisers and cleaning materials;

-R168 million to the Department of Transport and Public Works for the set-up of quarantine and isolation facilities, including the set-up of the field hospital at the Cape Town International Convention Centre;

-R35 million to the Department of Social Development and R18 million to the Department of Education for an initial humanitarian response which has included to provision on 50 000 food parcels; the re-initiation of school feeding schemes; and the delivery of 10 000 cooked meals per day for one month; and

-R16.2 million to the Department of Local Government in the form of a Local Government Support Grant to strengthen and support the current humanitarian initiatives within municipalities.

The Director-General, Harry Malila and I also had the opportunity to brief the committee on our COVID-19 response plan, including our hotspot plan, which aims to slow the spread in the nine infection hotspots in the province through a targeted, whole of government approach.

The Western Cape Government has been working around the clock to ensure that the health systems are prepared ahead of the peak of the virus in the province. This is a very challenging time for our province and country, and we need to work together to slow the spread the virus and save lives.

We need everyone to take responsibility and make changes that will help us to flatten the curve of infection including:

• Stay home as much as possible
• Always wear a clean cloth mask in public
• Always follow the golden rules of good hygiene (a mask alone is not enough)
• Keep your distance from people at all times
• Avoid gatherings of people
• If you are sick, stay home and call the hotline. If you are having difficulty breathing, seek urgent healthcare.