6 May 2020

As of 1pm on 6 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3771 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 130

*Data notes: Cases previously reported in Mitchells Plain (2) and Drakenstein (1), have been reallocated as address data has been updated.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional 2 COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 72. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Personal Protective Equipment:

The Western Cape Department of Health has more than doubled PPE stocks on hand in the past week and we now have R102 million worth of stocks on hand- with more on order.

The Department has also developed a dashboard that allows them to track the stock holding of each type of PPE at any given time. As equipment is used and new orders are received, this will be reflected on the dashboard.

Full PPE kits are provided to medical personnel conducting COVID-19 tests and those treating COVID-19 positive patients. Community healthcare workers receive cloth masks and aprons for their work in the field when dealing with non-COVID cases and surgical masks for when they work with COVID-19 related cases.

Our healthcare workers are vital in our response to COVID-19 and their safety is of utmost concern to us but as infections rise, our stocks of PPE will be used up faster. This is another reason why it is absolutely vital for residents to work towards flattening the curve- so that our healthcare systems and stocks are not overwhelmed.

Today, the Western Cape Government, in partnership with Wesgro and the City of Cape Town launched a PPE marketplace-a digital platform that connects businesses looking to buy PPE, with companies that make them. The platform allows suppliers to promote their goods, and companies to find suppliers of protective gear. The initial focus is on cloth masks but the range of products will be expanded as new suppliers are brought on board.

We encourage businesses making PPE in the province to sign up at https://www.supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace/.

Cloth masks:

Under the level four regulations, it is mandatory that people leaving their homes wear cloth masks.

When worn correctly, cloth masks play an important role in the fight against COVID-19. However, they must be used properly and always together with the golden rules of hygiene. A mask alone will not prevent you from being infected.

In order to be most effective, cloth masks must be clean and must be put on, worn and removed correctly. This means only touching the mask by the straps, and washing your hands before putting it on, and after removing it. Never fiddle with the mask or touch the inside.

Masks are also only one line of defence and should not replace hand washing and other hygiene measures. Social distancing is always important, even when you are wearing mask. Wearing the mask incorrectly ie. covering only the mouth, or removing it while speaking, defeats the purpose of wearing a mask- which is to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus by sick people.

We also call on businesses to ensure that the appropriate measures are being taken to ensure staff safety in the workplace and to enforce mask wearing.

Community testing and screening update:

The Western Cape Government community screening and testing program has so far screened 284 731 people across the province, and tested 9418 of these. Screening and testing is an important tool in helping us to accurately pinpoint where infections are occurring and where a person does test positive, to start the contact tracing process.

Anyone displaying symptoms (dry cough, sore throat, fever or shortness of breath) is advised to call the hotline on 021 928 4102 for directions on what to do next. Testing facilities are available across the province, and the hotline will direct you to the appropriate one.

Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements construction to recommence

For Immediate Release
6 May 2020

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says, all projects, in accordance with level 4 lockdown regulations, will recommence with immediate effect.

It is critical to note that as per the draft framework, which details the staggered lifting of lockdown restrictions under level 4, this only refers to “civil engineering for public works projects (including water, energy and sanitation) and critical public works construction, including other public works civil engineering projects,” and not the entire construction sector.

Simmers said: “To ensure contractors adhere to all health and safety protocols, we’ve issued a directive as to what needs to be in place, prior to employees returning to site, as their safety and protection is paramount during this period.”

The following regulations and legislation are applicable:

–         Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993)

–         Construction Regulations 2014

–         Disaster Management Act, 2002

–         Regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act, 2002

The onus is placed on the employer or owner of the construction company to adhere to the following:

1. Ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all staff, contractors and sub-contractors to enable

– social distancing;

– the provision of sanitizers/hand wash facilities, PPE, symptoms screening on site;

– record-keeping and

– housekeeping and cleaning of workspace.

2. Ensure that measures are in place to deal with employees who display   symptoms.
3. Ensure that transportation of employees adhere to the health and safety requirements.
4. Ensure that measures are in place to address mental health and wellbeing of employees.

A checklist has been provided to assist the construction industry to adhere to the regulatory and legislative requirements.

Minister Simmers added: “Although we’ve not received formal confirmation from the National Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Lindiwe Sisulu, since writing to her on 29 April, we’ve received communication from the national Acting-Director-General, Mr. Neville Chainee, indicating that “public housing programmes fall within the categorisation of public works, civil and construction works.”

We fully agree with Acting Director-General’s view and this forms part of the reason why we’re resuming with construction on our sites.

This return will now allow us to swiftly, as part of our Rapid Informal Settlement Support and Upgrade Programme (RISSUP), complete the erection of our Transitional Residential Units (TRU’s) in the Permanent Residential Areas (PRA’s). These PRA’s will be established on pieces of land in DuNoon and the Greater Kosovo areas, so that the informal settlements in these areas can be re-blocked.

We’re also in a better position to conclude critical work on some of our units that are close to completion. This will mean that those who are so desperately in need of a housing opportunity and that’s patiently been waiting, will be afforded the opportunity to move into their brand-new homes.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

6 May 2020

Municipalities across the Western Cape continue to implement feeding schemes and various support measures to assist communities during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, says municipalities have been humbled by the support and generosity from private individuals, businesses and community organisations who are providing ongoing assistance in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.

“I want to thank the entities and individuals who are working with us and helping us to look after those most vulnerable. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be an enormous challenge and if it wasn’t for the cooperation and support that we have been getting from our communities, then the situation would have been much more serious.”

Bredell has also praised the municipalities and their workers for the ongoing efforts.

“I want to ask the public to continue to work with us in adhering to regulations. Please verify all information before sharing it and rely on official channels for information. Ongoing fake news continues to cause unnecessary tension at this time.”

Some of the work being done in municipalities across the province:

• Swartland Municipality has approximately 70 Feeding schemes in ongoing operation in its municipal area which are coordinated and supported by leading NPO organisations. The areas include Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Goedgedacht and Riebeek Valley.
• In Stellenbosch, the StellenboschUnite collaborative aid action continues to provide social support including supplies weekly food packages to identified vulnerable families  The municipality has channelled R1.2 m towards this food relief program.
• In George, 137 municipal soup kitchens continue feeding about 20 000 people across the municipal area every day. The municipal actions are  is strongly supported thanks to the generosity of private individuals, businesses and community organisations who donate towards the enormous task.
• Wearing protective clothing, Drakenstein Municipality’s Solid Waste Management teams continue cleaning areas that experience high volumes of traffic.
• Cape Winelands District Municipality continues to actively support the Witzenberg Municipality in their efforts to prevent infections. Community communications with a local flavour is being driven to better inform and encourage citizens to adhere to the regulations.
• West Coast District Municipality has provided the municipality’s Incident Command bus to Western Cape Provincial Traffic to utilise during roadblocks at Bitterfontein on the N7 highway. The bus provides officials with an area to have strategic meetings and supplies light when roadblocks take place in the evening.
• Hessequa Municipality has completed the installation of 13 additional water tanks in informal settlement areas. These tanks provide additional water to the communities and are filled regularly by the municipality.
• The City of Cape Town has created 3000 SMME COVID-19 Toolkits, containing the essentials to help get businesses back to work safely as soon as they are allowed to do so. The kits include safety posters, Information on relief funding and support opportunities,          Hand sanitiser and face masks.

Bredell has urged all citizens with questions or concerns to visit the provincial website: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus or to get in touch with their local municipalities for assistance.

“If you have flu-like symptoms, and may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, please contact the provincial hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what to do next.”

 ENDS.

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson to the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Western Cape Government

9th Floor, Utilitas Building, 1 Dorp Street, Cape Town, South Africa

Telephone: +27 21 483 2820 / Mobile: +27 84 5831670 / E-mail: james-brent.styan@westerncape.gov.za

5 May 2020

As of 1pm on 5 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3677 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 119

*Data notes: Cases previously reported in Knysna and Mitchells Plain, have been reallocated as address data has been updated.

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 70. We send our condolences to their family and friends at this time.

Testing and screening update:

The Western Cape has screened a total of 267 347 people across the province, and tested 8 838 of these in our active case finding community screening and testing program. In total, the province has tested 47 751 people.

The Western Cape data has shown that transmission among members of the community is established, and that the provincial curve is climbing at a faster rate. Flattening this curve requires each and every citizen in the province to act responsibly in order to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to ensure that the sick, the elderly and the vulnerable who will be impacted most severely, are protected.

International Hand Hygiene Day:

Today marks International Hand Hygiene Day. Handwashing is always important because it is a simple but highly effective way to fight disease and prevent infections. This year, as the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing is especially important as we work to stop the spread and flatten the curve. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help play your part in stopping COVID-19.

Combined with staying at home, practicing physical distancing and wearing a clean, cloth mask, hygiene measures like handwashing, are an effective way to stop the spread of the virus.

We call on all workplaces that are currently operational under the level four regulations to ensure their employees safety by providing handwashing facilities, or hand sanitisers, in addition to putting in place measures like social distancing, screening and compulsory mask wearing in the workplace.

Safety on public transport:

The Western Cape Government’s Department of Transport and Public Works has created a reporting mechanism to report unsafe public transport. Residents using public transport can dial *134*234# from their mobile phone to report overfull minibus, midibus, metered or e-hailing taxis, drivers who are not wearing masks, or taxis not supplying hand sanitisers on board.

Where people encounter unsafe public transport, we urge them to report it and help to stop the spread.

Provincial relief for cultural, creative and sports sectors:

Today, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport announced a provincial relief fund for the cultural, creative and sports sectors.

Before the lockdown, the Western Cape was home to thriving cultural, artistic and sports scenes and we are home to many talented artists, musicians and sportsmen and women. Those working in these sectors have been heavily impacted by the cancellation of gatherings, events and sporting fixtures and the province has devised two types of relief- for cultural and creative support and for sports and recreation support.

Applications for the fund close on 19 May and more information, including the qualifying criteria and applications forms can be found here https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/provincial-relief-cultural-creative-and-sports-sectors

#Sharethelove:

Today we also announce the launch of our #ShareTheLove campaign which seeks to highlight the great work being done by so many people living in the Western Cape to help each other through the Covid-19 crisis. There are many ways that each of us can play our part, not only in stopping the spread of Covid-19, but also helping each other through this challenging time. Now, more than ever, we need to be kind and considerate to our family, friends and strangers, and I encourage you all to share the love, and post your photos and ideas of how others can also share the love on social media with #sharethelove.

Today, my wife Tracy and I had the opportunity to visit Ladles of Love, an NGO working to feed thousands of hungry people in the province, and doing a tremendous job of sharing the love. They are currently operating out of the CTICC, which has allowed them to use the CTICC kitchens, as well as some of their floor space for packing and distribution.

Ladles of Love is an organisation that is doing a great job of sharing the love, and you can share the love by supporting them, or any charity in your community. Even the smallest action, like phoning an elderly relative, or buying a food voucher at your local grocery store can make a huge difference to someone. Visit  our website for more information on how you can get involved and #ShareTheLove: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

We thank all of those residents who have opened their hearts to help communities across the province and spread love and kindness when it is most needed.

Media Release: Illegal evictions are not allowed during lockdown period

For Immediate Release
4 May 2020

I’ve written to the Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz and his Department, requesting they seek clarity from the South African Police Services (SAPS), as to why they’re allegedly turning away tenants who have illegally been evicted.

We have received two complaints in the Cape Metropolitan area where it is alleged that SAPS officers have refused to assist tenants. It is critical that no other person experience an injustice such as this.

The regulations issued in terms of section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, Chapter 3, paragraph 19 states there is “a prohibition on evictions. A competent court may grant an order for the eviction of any person from land or a home in terms of the provisions of the Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 62 of 1997 and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998. Provided that any order of eviction shall be stayed and suspended until the last day Alert level 4, unless a court decides that it is not just and equitable to stay and suspend the order until the last day of the Alert level 4 period.”

SAPS has a responsibility to enforce the laws of this country and as such these incidents which we’re aware of are disturbing and unacceptable to say the least. I will not allow alleged lawlessness to creep into the system, particularly not from those who swore to uphold and defend the law. The Western Cape Department of Community Safety has been requested to get to the bottom of this.

It is particularly now during this unprecedented and challenging period that we need our SAPS to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

I would like to also remind both tenants and landlords to find each other during this difficult period. Where common ground cannot be found, feel free to contact the Rental Housing Tribunal for assistance.

We should as one defend the laws of our country and the lives of the most vulnerable. This is critical in our fight against COVID-19 and if we’re going to #StopTheSpread

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o)

082 721 3362 (m)

4 May 2020

As of 1pm on 4 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3451 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 131

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 64. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Testing through the NHLS:

The Western Cape, through our active case finding approach, has ramped up its testing significantly. Since the 27 April 2020, some 19 619 tests have been conducted in this province.

The vast majority of these tests have been initiated through the public sector, given our testing strategy. These tests are sent to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), the national entity responsible for testing in the public health system, to determine if the patient is Covid-19 positive.

This major increase in testing in the Western Cape in the last two weeks is now starting to have an impact on the capacity of the NHLS in this province and countrywide, to process all the tests timeously. This has impacted on the release of test results at regular intervals. We will take this matter up with the President and the National Minister of Health, to request additional testing capacity to be added to the country’s NHLS as we can expect testing to increase further countrywide. There is also a need for testing options that provide results much quicker.

It is important to look at the data over a period of time to check trends, which can be viewed on our dedicated Covid-19 dashboard.

Acceleration of Covid-19 cases:

We are seeing an acceleration in positive Covid-19 cases, which indicates established transmission of the virus between residents in communities and that the curve is continuing to climb at a faster rate. This transmission has been initiated through cluster outbreaks, centred on places that were deemed essential during level 5 of the lockdown, such as supermarkets. Our data has shown growing transmission in specific geographic areas, particularly in the City of Cape Town and Witzenberg.

This is why it is critical that we continue to be extra vigilant and cautious. The level 5 lockdown did not stop the Covid-19, it only bought us time to prepare for the peak which is still to come.

This week we launched a radio ad, in all 3 languages, which runs across 29 radio stations in our province. Our message remains that every time you gather in any space you are at high risk of transmitting or being infected with Covid-19 and that you must be careful: keep your distance at all times, wear a cloth mask, and follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times.

Safety in the workplace:

In line with level four regulations, a large number of people across the country will have returned to work today. Businesses and employers must ensure that the risks of infection in the workplace are properly managed. Every single workplace must be taking responsibility for their staff and their clientele. This includes regular cleaning and sanitizing of work spaces and ensuring hand washing facilities or sanitisers are available. The wearing of cloth masks is compulsory and must be enforced by businesses. Where other PPE is appropriate and necessary, this must be worn. Workers must be allowed to social distance- whether they are working in retail, in manufacturing spaces or in office spaces. Where staff are able to continue to work from home, this must be allowed.

Certain businesses may have risks that are specific to their sector or their workspace- which require careful thinking and planning. These could include disabling finger print access scanners, devising systems for contact-free deliveries, and implementing shift work. The Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are working to devise safety protocols to guide various sectors on how to stop the spread.

Personal safety:

For those who are not returning to work yet, the golden rules remain in place. Stay at home and only go out when it is absolutely essential. When leaving home, clean cloth masks must be worn. Handwashing and sanitizing is essential. Social distancing is paramount- in queues at shops, at medical facilities and when receiving a grant.

Do not leave your home if you are sick. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, a dry cough or a fever, call the hotline on 021 928 4102, who will direct you on the next steps to take.

The elderly and those who have underlying conditions must stay at home if at all possible. We understand that social grants, including old aged pensions are currently being paid out, and many of our elderly and our vulnerable will be out in public at this time. The golden rules must be practiced and we also call on those residents not collecting grants stay home at this time to reduce the large numbers of people in supermarkets, on public transport and in queues.

We must all be practicing maximum caution to ensure that we stay safe and avoid infecting people who are vulnerable. This is imperative to help us flatten the curve and save lives.

Message from Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo:

Today I visited Du Noon, which is in the Western Sub-District- one of the sub-districts with the highest number of infections in the Metro. Du Noon, which has high vulnerability because it is densely populated, with 35 769 people living in an estimated 13 356 households, and high levels of poverty, is an area of concern for us.

Due to this area having a number of hotspots, we have devised a strategy that is beyond the normal routine with a ramped up campaign to intensify mass community screening and testing over the next 14 days. Through this effort we aim to identify positive cases, and to isolate these residents where needs be, slowing further spread. We call on this community, and in fact all communities across the province, to exercise the utmost caution in their daily lives to avoid contracting the virus.

We are committed to ensuring that we flatten the curve.

 Seasonal farm workers: 

The Western Cape has devised a protocol for seasonal farm workers from the Western Cape who want to return home. Under this protocol, workers traveling home will require a permit from their employer indicating that they are involved in the provision of an essential service, and that they are returning home after completing seasonal work. Employers must ensure that staff are screened before undertaking the trip- and provide evidence of this screening. This includes a note to accompany the permit detailing the date and time of the temperature/fever reading was completed as well as the name and signature of the person who screened the worker.

I will be writing to the Western Cape police as well as to the Eastern Cape Premier to notify them of the steps taken to ensure the safe return of seasonal workers. We expect a similar level of rigour from the Eastern Cape Government.

3 May 2020 

As of 1pm on 3 May, the Western Cape has recorded 3113 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 115

The Western Cape has recorded an additional six COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 58. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Most successful day of testing:

Yesterday, the province recorded a record number of tests- with 4059 completed in a 24-hour period. Focused testing and screening, conducted at hotspots, or in pockets of infection are key in our fight to flatten the curve and to stop the spread. This cannot however be achieved through testing alone, and requires the buy in and help of everyone in society.

It is still necessary for people to stay home in line with the regulation four guidelines, to wash their hands and to practice social distancing.

Level four lockdown:

Tomorrow, many more residents will be returning to work for the first time since the start of the lockdown. We urge those returning to work and businesses that will be re-opening to make hygiene and safety their number one priority. The use of cloth masks is mandatory and social distancing must be observed. The Western Cape Departments of Health, Economic Opportunities and Agriculture are all currently working on developing protocols for various sectors, which will be communicated with them soon.

Businesses looking for support and advice on the level four lockdown regulations and what they mean for them, can email supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za.

2 May 2020

As of 1pm on 2 May, the Western Cape has recorded 2783 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 98

Further statistical data, including recoveries by sub-district, can be accessed on the data dashboard available at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

The Western Cape has recorded an additional four COVID-19 deaths-bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 52. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.

Testing and screening:

The Western Cape has now conducted nearly 40 000 tests, with 15 660 of these over the past week as we continue to ramp up our testing efforts to actively seek out cases and isolate or quarantine their contacts.

The province has also now rigorously screened over 250 000 people in the past month- with community screening and testing set to continue.

The Western Cape Government has adopted a much more rigorous approach toward actively locating cases, tracking and tracing contacts and conducting targeted screening and testing in identified clusters. Epidemiological evidence tells us where the cluster transmissions are taking place, and this is where we relentlessly train our focus with both screening and testing.

This active case finding approach strategy means the Western Cape has a higher success rate in locating and fighting the ‘bushfires’.

Proposal to commemorate lives lost and honour healthcare workers:

Earlier this week, I wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa with a request to honor and commemorate the lives lost in our country as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For those who lose loved ones during this time, the ability to bid a proper farewell is limited. We would also like to encourage a further expression of support for our health service professionals working on the front line.

We have therefore requested that President Ramaphosa allow for all flags at national key points be flown at half-mast every Wednesday from sunrise to sunset. Once approved, each province could encourage municipalities to follow suit.

This is a simple way to express our solidarity with those who have lost loved ones, and those who are working hard on the frontlines, in line with our ethos as a caring government.

I hope that the President will view our proposal favorably.

Level four lockdown:

The country has been in level four lockdown since yesterday, and we thank those who are complying with the new regulations. We have however seen increased numbers of people congregating at places like shopping malls and in public areas for exercise. It is important to remember that the lockdown remains in place for a reason- we need to flatten the curve and ensure we stop the spread. It is important that residents only leave their homes when they need to- visits to malls and shops should be limited and social distancing must always be a priority.

Cloth masks are compulsory when leaving home- whether you are going for a run, going to the shop or going to collect a social grant.

We recommend only sending the healthiest family member to the shops to reduce the numbers of people out in public, and to minimize risk for the vulnerable.

Shopping should be done efficiently as possible, and customers should avoid picking up and putting down items on the shelves.

In the coming days, social grant payments will once again be made and we request that where possible, those residents who are not receiving grants, avoid shops and shopping centres during this time. This will help to reduce numbers out in public so that we do not put our elderly and vulnerable at risk while they are collecting grants.

The golden rules of hygiene always apply. These include handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, wearing a clean cloth mask, avoiding touching the face and removing masks by the straps and cleaning hands before and after this is done. Cough and sneeze into your arm or into a tissue and if you are sick, stay at home and call the hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what to do next.

In a bid to reduce congestion during the exercise hours, we will be writing to the national government to request an additional afternoon exercise session. This will also help to relieve congestion caused by the fact that the sun currently only rises after 7am in the Western Cape and will allow those who are at work in the mornings, to still exercise later in the day.

1 May 2020

Earlier this week, Premier Alan Winde met with the opposition leaders of the political parties represented in the Western Cape Legislature.

The purpose of the meeting – which was attended by Members Cameron Dugmore (ANC), Brett Herron (GOOD), Melikhaya Xego (EFF), Peter Marais (FF+), and Ferlon Christians (ACDP) – was aimed at knowledge sharing on the work of government in responding to COVID-19, providing an opportunity to make proposals and building cross-party cooperation in the fight against this global pandemic.

A key topic of discussion included the need for all political parties in the province to encourage their constituents to take responsibility for stopping the spread. This includes following good hygiene practices at all times, and obeying the regulations of the lockdown level we’re in. It was noted by many leaders that they had witnessed transgressions in communities, particularly in areas such as Du Noon, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Langa and Witzenberg, and that these needed to be addressed through greater communication and enforcement.

Issues were also raised around ensuring the fair and rightful distribution of food parcels to those most vulnerable. In this respect, the Premier assured the members that no councilors from any political party were mandated to be involved in the distribution of Western Cape Government-funded food parcels, and that NGOs had been brought on board to support the professional administration of this humanitarian support.

It was proposed that every effort should be made to ensure co-ordination and cooperation between DSD in the province and SASSA Western Cape. This could help ensure that there was no double dipping. The Premier responded that efforts in this regard had been made through a mapping exercise.

The Premier reiterated that it was in fact the mandate of the national government SASSA to provide social relief, and that the province had stepped in with limited emergency funding to address the dire need of people for nutrition.

A proposal was made by the leader of the opposition that a joint provincial command on food security be established and that all political parties be represented at this level, whilst not being operationally involved.

It was agreed that the Premier would engage the Western Cape Minister of Social Development about having a regular meeting with the leaders on the food parcel distribution programme.

Further queries were raised regarding the higher number of cases in the Western Cape than in other provinces, which Premier Winde explained was due to the much more rigorous approach of the Western Cape Government toward actively locating cases, tracking and tracing contacts and conducting widespread screening and testing in identified clusters. In essence, the Western Cape has a far higher success rate in locating and fighting the ‘bushfires’.

Premier Winde noted that due to the nature of the virus, we will see a dramatic increase in cases in the coming months – that is unavoidable -and that the Health Department was preparing for this through the addition of extra facilities and beds.

The importance of the religious fraternity was raised as a strong avenue for communication with residents, both to receive concerns, as well as to share information from government. Premier Winde indicated that Cabinet had appointed a cluster of Ministers, led by Minister Ivan Meyer, to regularly engage with religious leaders.

A final discussion was held on the economy, and the effects of the lockdown on SMMEs and those in the arts. Joint concern amongst the Premier and all members was expressed at the potential for many businesses to go under. While reiterating that the lion’s share of the business support grant programmes fell under the domain of the national government, Premier Winde undertook to investigate further mechanisms to help our SMMEs to navigate through this time.

The meeting agreed that every effort should be made to ensure that employers complied with the lockdown regulations and also that they be supported in efforts to make workplaces safe.

It was agreed that the meeting was of value, and that the Premier and Leaders of the Opposition would meet weekly going forward to ensure that we build on the base of cooperation and open dialogue which has  been established, and that Premier Winde would encourage district and local municipalities to have similar regular engagements. Some districts are already doing so.

The fight against coronavirus is all of our fight, and we all need to do our part, in our communities and in our communications with our constituents, to ensure we build the responsible behaviour we need to stop the spread.

1 May 2020

As of 1pm on 1 May, the Western Cape has recorded 2536 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Sub Districts Cape Town Metro:

Sub Districts Non-Metro:

Unallocated: 112

Data is available on the Western Cape Government’s dashboard which can be accessed at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus.

The Western Cape has recorded another two deaths, bringing the provincial total to 48. We send our condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased at this difficult time.

Level 4 lockdown:

Today, to mark Workers’ Day, I went to visit a clothing retail store, which, under the new regulations is allowed to sell winter clothes and blankets. We were able to see the measures in place to protect staff, which included the wearing of masks, and physical distancing protocols in place. The store also had strict restrictions in place on how many people could enter at one time. As part of the new normal, this is how businesses will need to operate in order to ensure that opening our economy does not open us up to further risk of infection.

Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier said: “We firmly believe that if done responsibly, the economy in the Western Cape can open up while preventing the spread of COVID-19. We are committed to supporting business in the Western Cape through this crisis. That is why we are finalizing a set of guidelines for business, informed by the Department of Health. We are also actively working to unpack the regulations so that we can advise businesses if they are able to operate under level 4. And finally, we will be providing guidance to businesses on what to do if a staff member displays symptoms or tests positive.”

Exercise hours leading to increased congestion:

Today was the first day of level four lockdown in South Africa. Many residents in the Western Cape, just like the rest of the country, took up the opportunity to exercise in line with these new regulations promulgated by the National Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. These regulations allow residents to exercise within a 5km radius of their homes between 6 am and 9 am.

In many of the country’s high density cities, abiding by these regulations during a very set-time has resulted in high levels of congregation in public spaces.

This is the unfortunate result of regulations which I am afraid were not thought through and regrettably lack common sense.

The medical and scientific reason for the lockdown has been to limit gathering, so as to slow the spread of Covid-19. By forcing residents to only exercise during a very set-time period, we are forcing congregation.

Furthermore, little consideration was given to the fact that sunrise is later in the Western Cape as we approach winter, therefore providing an even smaller window of time for a large number of people to exercise in line with the new regulations.

We need a common-sense approach in our response to Covid-19. The Western Cape Government will therefore petition the National Minister to provide for additional times for exercise during daylight hours, so that we can drastically reduce volumes of people exercising at any one point.

We have seen from the 22 000 submissions to the national government on the issue of exercise, and the enthusiastic response by people around the country, that this opportunity is valued and appreciated.

Cardiovascular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, which also has a positive impact on lung health. We should encourage healthy lifestyle choices and allow residents of the Western Cape to take responsibility for themselves by practicing social distancing and wearing their masks while exercising.

My request to all our residents is to please do everything possible to avoid any gathering whatsoever. You must keep your distance from others. You must exercise alone. You must wear a cloth mask, and be sure to follow the golden rules of hygiene at all times. If you are not feeling well, you must not leave your home at all. This is important. Please first call the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102 for advice on what you should do next.

Workers’ Day Message:

Today, we send our appreciation to all of those workers who have been on the frontline during this pandemic.

This pandemic has had a major impact on the global workforce and we must also remember the economic hardship and uncertainty that many workers face at this time.

A number of workers will have started work again today, or will do so in the coming days. With more people moving around, there is increased risk and we remind everyone that cloth masks are compulsory and that good hygiene, and keeping physical distance is critical in helping to stop the spread.