1 JULY 2020
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Fisherman’s Cottage is one of several local restaurants that reopened for sit-down service this week. The amended Level 3 regulations for restaurants, which came into effect on Monday, form part of the government’s efforts to reactivate the tourism sector in order to save businesses and jobs. (Read more on P4) Most restaurants will also continue to provide take-out meals for those who prefer to pick up and eat at home. PHOTO: Hedda Mittner
Overstrand cases rising fast Writer De Waal Steyn
A
s the number of Covid-19 infections continues to skyrocket, Zwelihle in Hermanus and Grabouw have been named as two of the most worrisome hotspots in the Overberg district.
the virus. Moving to Level 3 has seen businesses such as restaurants, hair salons and beauty services re-opening and people in the personal care services (formal and informal) are getting back to work, which is great for the community. But we still need to be vigilant as the risk of infection inevitably increases as we resume more activities,” he said.
In an address last week to the Overstrand Council, Mayor Dudley Coetzee said frontline teams from the Department of Health, the municipalities and SAPS are doing their level best in trying to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
According to him the rapid increase in the number of people testing positive in the Overberg and more specifically the Overstrand, is very concerning. (See Covid dashboard on P 7)
“But this cannot be done without everyone helping in the fight against
“The first deaths due to the pandemic were reported in the Overstrand
on 17 June. Since then two more deaths were reported in our area. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coetzee. By Monday, 1 737 people in the province had lost their lives to the virus. Coetzee urged those over the age of 60 and those with underlying conditions to take extra care. “You are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. It is therefore important that you take extra precautions and stay at home whenever possible,” he said. The mayor also gave a special word of thanks to all the non-profit organisations providing humanitarian relief
during lockdown. “You are doing amazing work, for no recognition and no reward and we thank you for that.” The last week saw the Western Cape break through the 60 000 infections mark, with more than 1 780 patients in hospital and some 320 in ICU or high care. The Overberg has more than 1 000 infections and the Overstrand more than 550. Wester Cape Premier, Alan Winde said the province currently has 3 760 isolation and quarantine facility beds available, while an additional 4 766 beds will soon be ready. “Our approach to activating these facilities is as follows: patients with
severe symptoms, as well as those at high risk of Covid-19 morbidity and mortality are assessed for their need of hospitalisation. Those who are symptomatic and do not require hospitalisation are offered quarantine (with or without testing). Once the facility is filled, we then move to activate the next facility. The same process is followed for isolation facilities for those confirmed to have Covid-19,” said Winde. He urged residents to make use of these facilities if they are unable to safely quarantine or isolate at home. (Read more on how to self-isolate on P 9) Continues on P 3
