First evidence of WC starting exit from peak

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape province is starting to see the first early signs of exiting its third-wave peak.

In the Garden Route a drop of 21% in the number of new daily cases was reported over the week 5 to 12 August, according to a presentation on Thursday 19 August by Dr Keith Cloete, head of the Western Cape Health Department.

Overall, the province has had a drop of 12% in new daily cases during this period.

Although the case numbers in the Garden Route are stabilising, there is concern over Hessequa that still has increases, especially in Heidelberg, Riversdale, Albertinia, Melkhoutfontein, Still Bay and Slangrivier. Oudtshoorn is also an area of concern.

Premier Alan Winde welcomed the favourable signs of numbers stabilising, but the situation is being monitored closely for possible changes. He called on residents to be vigilant and continue to practise lifesaving Covid protocols.

"The third wave has been longer, flatter and more delayed compared to previous waves and while this has placed pressure on our healthcare system, we are meeting the demands placed on it in terms of bed capacity and oxygen supply," he said.

The reproduction or “R” number, which is based on cases and deaths, is currently 1,0. This means that every 10 cases, there are an additional 10 infections.

Across the province, the following trends are being noted:

* The reproduction or 'R' number (based on cases and deaths) is currently 1,0. This means that for every 10 cases, there are an additional 10 infections.
* Case numbers have started to decrease and there are currently an average of 2 861 new diagnoses each day.
* Admissions to hospitals have plateaued at approximately 320 new admissions each day.
* Daily deaths stand at 100. Excess deaths have started to decrease.
* The proportion of positive Covid-19 tests remains high at an average of 37%, but has also decreased.

Small decreases in the main indicators are positive, says Premier Alan Winde.

Hospital occupancy

The metro hospitals have an average occupancy rate of 97% while the George drainage area hospitals are at 77%.

The George drainage area has 918 beds, of which the general bed use rate is 77% and the Covid-19 bed use rate is 68%.

The total general bed use rate in the province is 91% and the total Covid-19 bed use rate is 69%.

The hospitalisation, mortality and case trends show a slight easing.

Higher number of children positive

According to Cloete, the number of children diagnosed with Covid in this wave has been higher than any of the previous waves. This was because schools were open mostly in this wave, more testing was done, and the delta variant is more infectious.

There is high early viral load before the onset of symptoms, causing easier spread. Children, however, have milder symptoms, similar to cold and flu.

The Garden Route experienced a decrease of 21% in new daily cases from 5 to 12 August.