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17 July 2020 Media Release: Hygiene services enhanced at the GRDM – have yours?

Media Release: Hygiene services enhanced at the GRDM – have yours?

For Immediate Release
17 July 2020

The Department of Employment and Labour issued guidelines which require employers, ‘to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that all persons who may be directly affected by the activities of others (such as customers, clients or contractors and their workers who enter their workplace or come into contact with their employees) are not exposed to hazards to their health or safety. This obligation also applies to self-employed persons whose working activities bring them into contact with members of the public’.

In order to comply with these guidelines, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) put measures in place to prevent the spread of infections in the workplace.  Some of these measures include placing hand sanitising dispensers at entry points; the daily screening of employees for symptoms of COVID-19 when they report for work; providing face masks to be worn in the workplace and conducting virtual meetings to adhere to social distancing protocols.

The value and welfare of hygiene officials are critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Therefore, it is vital that these officials are well equipped and looked after. As an additional safety measure, the hygiene officials were each furnished with personal protective equipment to wear.

It is a known fact that regular cleaning routines are a simple, yet effective way to ensure a hygienic environment and prevent the spread of germs and infections caused by contact of surfaces, communal spaces and offices.

Daily workplace cleaning routines have been ‘sharpened’ and cleaning times were altered. Hygiene officials start their workday at 07:30 and knock off at 16:00, whereas administrative officials start at 08:00 and finished at 16:30. The reason behind this arrangement is that when administrative officials arrive at work, their workstations are clean and safe when they start their daily operations. Hygiene officials’ routine starts with the sanitising and disinfection of all offices.

The following areas were identified as ‘hotspots’ in offices that should be cleaned to reduce the possibility of bacterial or viral infection.

  • The immediate workstations of officials
  • Keyboards and telephones
  • Chair seats and handles
  • Door handles
  • Light switches

Before and after meetings, committee rooms and venues are sanitised and disinfected; however, the responsibility of hygiene staff to serve coffee and tea was temporarily discontinued in order for them to focus on hygiene functions.

The health and safety of officials and visitors are of paramount importance to the GRDM, and for this reason, officials and visitors are requested to work together, to take control and practice safe hygiene habits in order to promote a healthy workplace.

16 July 2020 Media Release: George Airport open for business travel under Alert Level 3

Media Release: George Airport open for business travel under Alert Level 3

For Immediate Release
16 July 2020

We welcome the announcement by Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, that George Airport will open to receive business travellers and cargo under Alert Level 3. As a critical transport link for providing access to the Garden Route District for many business travellers across South Africa, this decision provides much-needed support to jobs and the economy in the Western Cape.

That is why we have been working hard, together with the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA), the George Airport management, George Municipality and our provincial Department of Health, to find a solution that will allow the George Airport to meet the criteria required for the airport to open.

Thanks to the effort of all involved, the Western Cape Department of Health will partner with ACSA to ensure that Covid-19 screening is conducted at the George Airport.

We are confident that George Airport is ready to welcome businesses travellers to the Garden Route.

Read full statement: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/george-airport-open-business-travel-under-alert-level-3

16 July 2020 Media Release: “My sister and I tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a funeral”

Media Release: “My sister and I tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a funeral”

For Immediate Release
16 July 2020

Amanda (38), an employee of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently shared her and her sister’s COVID-19 experience. “We have no comorbidities and experienced flu-like symptoms,” she said.

Still in self-isolation, Amanda says that she and her sister attended a funeral in Graaff-Reinet on 20 June. They both developed a dry cough a few days after returning to George. By 29 June they suspected that they contracted COVID-19 after their cousin, who also attended the funeral, alerted them on 25 June that she had tested positive for it.

“We went for tests on 2 July and got our ‘positive results’ back on 6 July.”

“I was shocked and immediately called my doctor to ask for advice on what to do.” The doctor informed them to stay at home and isolate themselves from others. “Thankfully I stay with my sister. Neither of us even considered going out after suspecting that we had COVID-19, because nowadays coughing in public is met with glares from strangers and friends,” said Amanda.

A picture of Amanda before the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

The sisters were frustrated at times as they were confined to their flat and not even allowed to go for a walk. Amanda said that she continued with work duties from home and was available to assist the municipality with work when requested.

When sharing some of the support she received, Amanda explained: “My HR Manager, Ms Nontobeko Klaas, also tested positive a while back and she was the first one to call and comfort me. She shared some home advice on what home remedies worked for her including ginger, garlic, lemon, honey, and inhaling peppermint or eucalyptus vapour my chest felt tight or heavy.”  Her colleagues, family and friends were in constant contact with her. “I also held daily video calls with my cousin.”

Amanda pleads “for those suspecting of having COVID-19 to go into quarantine and for those who tested positive to isolate, because it protects others from contracting the virus.” She added: “other people might not experience the same symptoms and I think that those with comorbidities are more prone to serious complications.” Amanda shared that they only experienced minor body aches and a persistent dry cough.

Her COVID-19 experience taught her to not only look at the negative side of any disease, but also to read up and listen to experiences of others who had survived. “People should not stigmatise those who tested positive for a disease because it helps no one. Those who tested positive need support more than anything else,” she added.

Amanda urges the public to be more proactive and to go into quarantine when they experience a cough, runny nose or body aches. “Live as healthy as you can and avoid gathering in large groups. Stick to the rules. COVID-19 is real and ignoring this fact might cost you your own or another person’s life.”

14 July 2020 Media Release: Guidelines for businesses offering services such as haircuts, tattoos and manicures

Media Release: Guidelines for businesses offering services such as haircuts, tattoos and manicures

For Immediate Release
14 July 2020

While South Africa is still operating under alert level 3, hairdressers, barbershops, nail and toe treatment, facial treatment, make-up, body massage, tattooing and body piercing were allowed to re-open their doors on 19 June 2020. However, stricter health and hygiene protocols had to be in place at all these businesses to protect their employees and the public. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is in full support of these businesses to operate again after many employers and employees were left without an income for nearly three months, as long as all the protocols are adhered to.

Following to the opening of these businesses, the GRDM also received applications for new businesses to open their doors. All existing and new businesses are required to be in possession of a health certificate issued by the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP), said Mr Johan Compion, GRDM Manager Municipal Health and Environmental Services. “If a hair salon, barbershop or body piercing shop doesn’t have one, the owner needs to apply for it by contacting one of our offices for more information, otherwise enforcement will take place,” he said.

DETAILS TO BE PRESENTED WHEN APPLYING

These are the details all barbers and hairdressers need to present when to apply for a health certificate:

  • The business name
  • The physical address of the premises
  • The name and identity number of the owner or person in charge

HEALTH CERTIFICATE RULES

  1. The health certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous manner on the premises and it must be clearly visible to everyone entering the premises.
  2. The health certificate is not transferable from one owner to another or from one premises to another.
  3. The certificate should be renewed in case of change of ownership; in the case of renovations/additions to the existing premises and if the service moves from one premises to another premises.

For an application of a Health Certificate, structural requirements, waste management requirements, and any other standards, make contact with the following GRDM EHP chiefs:

Hessequa area

Mossel Bay area

George area (Wilderness)

Outeniqua area

Lakes area (Knysna)

Bitou area

Oudtshoorn & Kannaland areas

Guidelines/checklist in terms of the Municipal Health Services Bylaw of 2018:

  • Internal walls easily cleanable and painted with a light coloured paint.
  • Floors constructed of an easily cleanable with smooth finish
  • The ceiling must be constructed of a dust proof material.
  • Ventilation and illumination
  • Ablution facilities
  • Separate Basins: Adequate number of basins for the washing of hair and supplied with hot and cold
  • Waste water disposal system approved by Local Authority
  • Change room(s)
  • Refuse disposal
  • A central refuse storage area
  • The premises may not be used for food preparation or for sleeping
  • The premises and all equipment used in connection should always be maintained in good conditions and clean and sanitary.
  • No animals permitted on the premises, unless in the case of a guide dog
  • Instruments kept clean and disinfected after each use
  • Adequate numbers of towels
  • Laundry
  • Facility for cleaning crockery and utensils if beverages are served
  • Containers used for the storage of health care risk waste should be clearly labeled in large, legible lettering.
  • Employees should be adequately trained in the identification, separation, handling and storing of health care risk waste.
  • Health care risk waste may only be removed/ collected, transported, treated and disposed by a registered service provider from the premises.
  • Accurate and up to date records of all health care risk waste generated by the facility must be kept.
  • The use of dyes, pigments and stencils and tattoo procedures
  • In preparing dyes or pigments, non-toxic materials should be used.
  • Single-use, sterile, individual containers for dyes or pigments must be used for each
  • The stencil, unless composed of acetate, should be used for a single tattoo procedure only. Acetate stencils may be disinfected and re-used.

Download the bylaw here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Garden-Route-DM-Municipal-Health-Services-By-law-Dec-2018.pdf

ENDS

14 July 2020 Media Release: Dysselsdorp Soup Kitchens providing a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Release: Dysselsdorp Soup Kitchens providing a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic

For immediate release
14 July 2020

Soup kitchens in Dysselsdorp, which forms part of the Greater Oudtshoorn municipal area, provide an ideal service for those who struggle to make ends meet by providing food assistance. Soup kitchens serve food to anyone who arrives at their doorstep and often serve meals, consisting of not only soup, but sandwiches too. Volunteers assist to prepare meals, serve food, and help with cleaning up.

In Dysselsdorp, the community and spiritual leaders have set the tone for the establishment of soup kitchens. They contacted the Municipal Health Services office of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in Oudtshoorn for guidance regarding minimum requirements and approvals. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) continue with inspections of soup kitchens and ensure that they always comply with health requirements.

Dysselsdorp soup kitchens adhere to the requirements of the COVID-19 protocols to protect all members of the community in their respective settings.

According to Mr Desmond Paulse, GRDM Manager for Municipal Health in Oudtshoorn, the EHPs continue to work closely with the Department of Social Development in terms of soup kitchen applications and approvals. “A protocol and guidelines specifically relating to operating a soup kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic was developed and now there are ten approved soup kitchens operating in Dysselsdorp,” he said.

New soup kitchens must adhere to the minimum structural requirements in terms of building control (ventilation and lighting), potable running water, basic health requirements including sufficient working surfaces, temperature control, vector control, disposal of waste, provision of toilet facility and hand washbasin on preparation sites, including hand-sanitizing agents. Personal protective equipment for food handlers, regular health screening of food handlers and approved storing facilities for the storage of food and utensils must be provided.

These general COVID-19 requirements include:

  • Ensuring social distancing when receiving food at identified soup kitchen.
  • People must not gather at the facility after receiving their food.
  • Face masks and gloves to be worn by persons distributing the food.
  • Provision of sufficient hand wash facilities on site to accommodate people receiving food.

EHPs monitor the soup kitchens in Dysselsdorp with the assistance of the Expanded Public Workers Programme workers to ensure that the COVID-19 measures are implemented. Furthermore, regular inspections are carried out by the EHPs to ensure compliance and that all basic health requirements are met and to ensure that food is prepared hygienically and safe for consumption to vulnerable residents of the area.

ENDS

iStock.com/piyaset

13 July 2020 Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

For Immediate Release
13 July 2020

Drought can be defined as a climatic event originating from a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage within agricultural, urban and environmental settings. From 2009-2020, municipalities located within the Garden Route Municipality’s (GRDM) jurisdiction experienced drought episodes of varying degrees, ranging from moderate to severe and extreme meteorological droughts. Diminished rainfall during these drought episodes results in numerous lagged, “knock-on” consequences to ground and surface water resources, that translates into critically low urban water supplies in the Garden Route district. These hydrological drought conditions also generate additional effects and necessitated significant emergency responses over the last 11 year period in the Garden Route district.

The Western Cape has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because of its coastal location and the influence of rising sea temperatures on the weather patterns in the adjacent region. Prediction is that by 2050, the rainfall in the Western Cape is likely to decrease by 30% relative to current figures. The drought in the Garden Route district is consistent with long-term climate change projections for the area.

It is predicted by scientists that there will definitely be an average increase in temperatures within the district, having serious implications for soil moisture and the agricultural sector. A reduction in winter rainfall, with changes in the timing and intensity of the rainfall, is also predicted, thereby contributing to extended periods of drought with intermittent flooding events in between.

Climate variability and changing weather conditions are key risk drivers when it comes to drought vulnerability within the Garden Route district.

Consistent with prevailing studies on drought and water scarcity, the vulnerability within the Garden Route district is also amplified by interacting risk drivers that progressively escalated the risk of a wide-spread water shortage. These risk drivers include population growth and unprecedented urban development within the district, which results in greatly increased water consumption, both in agriculture and in the rapidly growing coastal towns. A lack of resilient and adaptive drought risk management planning within development zones further exacerbates the areas vulnerability to drought.

The focus of the GRDM to address the disastrous impacts of drought events within the district, has been to connect with climate change science and to facilitate the “climate-proofing” of water services within the district, so that the rights of all to reliable, safe, sufficient, affordable water is not compromised by the impacts of climate change, and that alternative strategies for providing water services do not in themselves contribute further to global warming. This however needs to be a collaborative focus by different stakeholders within the sector. Through adaptive responses and actions to drought impacts, municipalities have the power to provide resilient responses to ensure water security and sustainability for the district within the face of climatic unpredictability.

Responses such as rigorous water demand management, a systematic investment in water infrastructure and technical capacity is essential to manage the district’s water supplies sustainably. Alternative and new water resource options need to be investigated to ensure the integrity of the water system, such as the use of groundwater, the re-use of effluent and the desalination of seawater. Groundwater potential also exists in most of the district, and its conjunctive use with other supply sources and infrastructure should be investigated. Volumes can be obtained on a sustainable basis through more adaptive management actions such as resource directed measures where it is most needed. Desalination is also an important supply intervention, as decreasing costs could result in desalination being implemented prior to some of the conventional water resource schemes. Desalination can be an efficient method to cater for prolonged drought emergencies, a stronger trend in climate change and rapid growth scenarios. The clearing of invasive alien plants from riparian buffer zones is also a key mechanism for managing this risk, as it helps to restore base-flows that are otherwise used by invasive alien plants.

Due to the more erratic rainfall patterns experienced and forecasted due to climate change, a more holistic view is needed in the district, with a balance of different sources to cope with extremities.  The focus need to shift towards the careful management and optimisation of existing use. Planning and preparedness needs to take a more general flexible form. There is room for the local municipalities within the district to tackle specific issues their own way, allowing for more flexibility, with appropriate responses for the different local contexts. The Garden Route district would therefore like to encourage its local municipalities to ensure that their municipal disaster risk assessments incorporate considerations of their specific urban water scarcity levels and drought risks and their patterns in population growth and urban development, and to implement strong water conservation and demand management programmes, and more adaptive and resilient interventions.

By being resilient, it means that the municipality has the capacity to cope with future change and surprises, without changing in undesirable ways. Resilient interventions are defined by actions that support and regulate life support systems, as well as in providing the adaptive basis for coping with gradual and sudden change.  Through adopting a resilience perspective, we can produce new knowledge which is fundamental to manage the capacity of water systems to cope, adapt and shape change.

By adopting a more resilience approach to drought, vulnerability within the district can be minimized through a reduced exposure to stresses, as well as a reduction in social-ecological sensitivities through sustaining ecosystem services and human well-being in vulnerable areas. Through adopting this approach, a management approach focusing on proactive strategies – able to adapt to change, can be achieved, thereby averting or ameliorating the impacts of drought disasters within the district.

ENDS

Issued by the Disaster Management Unit, Garden Route District Municipality
Media queries: Herman Pieters, communications@gardenroute.gov.za

13 July 2020 Severe Weather Warnings – Storm Surges, High Seas & Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather warnings:

HAZARD (1): Storm surges

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

Expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay today, persisting into Tuesday morning east of Cape Agulhas (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (2): High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

High to very high seas with wave heights between 6-9m is expected between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay from today through to Tuesday afternoon, but very high wave heights between 9-13m between Slangkop and Plettenberg Bay (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (3): Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/07/20 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/07/20 17h00

WARNING: Gale to strong gale force north-westerly to westerly winds (65-100km/h) are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Plettenberg Bay, while (65-75km/h) over the entire Western Cape today (12-13/07/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTIONS: Snow

If driving, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life. In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

To report any severe weather related incidents, contact:

Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

10 July 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts.

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 10/07/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 11/07/20 18h00

  1. Strong interior westerly to north-westerly winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Namakwa District (N.Cape) as well as the Central Karoo (W.Cape) today.
  2. Gale to strong gale force south-westerly winds (70-100km/h) along the coastal areas between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday (11/07/2020) morning, moderating by the afternoon.

DESCRIPTION: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

PRECAUTIONS: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.

Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: SNOW

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTION: SNOW

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

PRECAUTIONS: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

10 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 10 July 2020

For Immediate Release
10 July 2020

As of 10 July 2020, the Garden Route District has 2241 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

Cases 

Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.

Bitou 139 cases; 62 recoveries
Knysna 328 cases; 161 recoveries
George 1093 cases; 509 recoveries
Hessequa 37 cases; 20 recoveries
Kannaland 24 cases; 10 recoveries
Mossel Bay 442 cases; 164 recoveries
Oudsthoorn 178 cases; 49 recoveries

The Garden Route has recorded 47 Covid-19 deaths.

Hessequa 1
Mossel Bay 7
George 24
Knysna 9
Bitou 4
Oudtshoorn 2

Hospitalisation

There are currently 32 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 9 in ICU.

Community Testing and Screening

The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 133 536 people have been screened and 851 referred for testing.

Isolation and quarantine

Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.

PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 86 people at West Camp.

Primary healthcare                                                                                                        

Although we urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

9 July 2020 Media Release: Storm Update

Media Release: Storm Update

For Immediate Release
9 July 2020

A severe winter storm is starting to make landfall in the Western Cape. The South African Weather Services are advising that besides heavy rain and strong winds, disruptive snowfalls are expected over the high-ground of the Cape Winelands overnight tomorrow into Saturday morning.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is urging the public to take heed of the early warnings and to limit the amount of time spent outdoors over the next few days.

“It is going to get very cold and very wet. We have also been alerted to the fact that the national electricity grid is under extreme pressure with load shedding a possibility at this stage. Please do what you can to reduce electricity consumption. Consider livestock and small animals that may be exposed to the elements and try to limit the amount of travel over the next few days.”

In the event of any emergency, the disaster responders are on hand to assist. The easiest number to remember to call in the Western Cape is 112.

In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:

Cape Winelands Municipality                                021 888 5837

Garden Route District:                                            044 805 5071

Central Karoo:                                                          023 449 8000

West Coast:                                                               022 433 8700

Overberg:                                                                 028 425 1690

City of Cape Town:                                                 107 landlines or 021 480 7700

Flooding related Tip Sheet

How Can I Prepare for a Flood?

  • Identify the risk in your local area.
  •  Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
  • Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
  • Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
  • Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.

What Should I do during flooding?

  • Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
  • Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
  • Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
  • Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
  • Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.

What Should I do after the flood?

  • Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
  • Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
  • Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.

ENDS.

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za