Pandemic reaching its peak in province

The Covid-19 pandemic seems to be racing towards its peak as the total of cases in the Western Cape breached the 50 000 mark during the weekend and the provincial death toll on Monday climbed to 1 424.

Although an exact date for the peak cannot be determined, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says, some epidemiological models, including the National Covid-19 Epi Model (NCEM) which is relied on by the national government for forecasting, have estimated that the province will experience its peak soon.

“We are experiencing increased pressure in our hospitals. At the same time, the economy is opening further, with personal care services having re-opened this weekend and other sectors expected to open soon. Now is therefore the time to be extra vigilant to slow the spread."

Winde warned that according to the data, age and underlying conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure present the greatest risk for becoming seriously ill or dying. “People who fall into vulnerable groups must take additional precautions to protect themselves – staying at home as much as possible.”

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