GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - The Garden Route district has recorded 108 COVID-19-related deaths.
According to Nadia Ferreira, Western Cape Health Department district spokesperson, there are currently 109 patients admitted in public and private hospitals, with 35 in High Care/ICU.
The breakdown per subdistrict is as follows:
- George: 2101 cases, 1389 recoveries, 49 deaths
- Mossel Bay: 1035 cases, 582 recoveries, 15 deaths
- Knysna: 809 cases, 453 recoveries, 17 deaths
- Oudtshoorn: 355 cases, 202 recoveries, 14 deaths
- Bitou: 331 cases, 188 recoveries, 10 deaths
- Hessequa: 115 cases, 66 recoveries, 3 deaths
- Kannaland: 46 cases, 29 recoveries, 0 deaths
Next 100 days
The Western Cape Health Department has identified the next 100 days as crucial to refocusing the health system and health services while still managing the pandemic with continued interventions to increase immunisation coverage, TB treatment and ART uptake.
"We urge all citizens to remain careful in observing the essential 5 Golden Rules of hygiene and safety. It remains important to take particular care of persons with underlying conditions and particularly Diabetes, who are at significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19. We urge these people to really take special care and to shield themselves from exposure where possible. The protection of our most vulnerable loved ones remains in our collective hands."
Shielding the vulnerable
Persons over the age of 55 or who have a chronic condition, are at risk for severe COVID-19 illness and should take extra precautions to protect themselves by following these steps:
- Avoid getting the virus by staying home, wear a mask (when you have to go out), wash hands regularly and disinfect surfaces
- Look after your health by following a healthy lifestyle and take your medication regularly
- Get help immediately if you do not feel well
- If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, go for immediate testing, do not delay
The Department has implemented an action plan for Diabetics with COVID symptoms which includes expanding testing for diabetics who represent a high risk group. Our current data suggests that these patients are presenting or are being admitted too late in a very sick conditions, which has dire outcomes.
Isolation and quarantine
Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 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. There are currently 68 people at West Camp.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Karoo, Hessequa news'
