Premier Alan Winde revealed that the Western Cape’s positive COVID-19 cases has now climbed to 599 people. This figure was tallied as of 00.01am on Sunday, April 12.

According to national government, however, the Cape has 587 cases.

Sub-Districts Cape Town Metro:
Western – 186
Southern – 138
Northern – 28
Tygerberg – 48
Eastern – 36
Klipfontein – 31
Mitchells Plain – 11
Khayelitsha – 14
Total: 492

Sub-Districts Non-Metro:
Garden Route: Bitou – 5
Garden Route: Knysna – 13
Garden Route: George – 13
Garden Route: Hessequa – 5
Garden Route: Mossel Bay – 19
Garden Route: Oudtshoorn – 2
Cape Winelands: Stellenbosch – 16
Cape Winelands: Drakenstein – 6
Cape Winelands: Breede Valley – 6
Cape Winelands: Langeberg – 1
Overberg: Overstrand – 9
Overberg: Theewaterskloof – 1
West Coast: Saldanha Bay Municipality – 3
West Coast: Swartland – 2
Unallocated: 6

“Currently, 24 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 infection are being treated in hospital, with 11 of these receiving care in ICU,” Winde said in statement. “We also recorded the seventh death in the province yesterday – a 61-year old male. We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

According to the Premier, the growth rate of the cases in the Cape’s non-metro areas has been minimal. “This is however not a time to relax our effort. Now more than ever, we must stick to regular handwashing and social distancing protocols if and when we leave home. Everyone should be obeying the lockdown regulations so that we can stop the spread,” he said. “We encourage the wearing of cloth masks for those going out in public, either to buy food, go to the pharmacy or seek medical care. We, however, remind residents that N95 respirators and surgical masks should be preserved for the frontline medical staff who require this protection.”

Residents are warned to remember that cloth masks do not replace the golden rules of good hygiene practices – including regular handwashing and social distancing – which must still be adhered to.

Cloth masks must be properly worn and removed. They must also be washed and ironed after every use in order to be most effective in stopping the spread. Avoid touching your mask while wearing it and never touch the inside of the mask.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to all of the essential employees who have worked throughout this long weekend. We thank the health care workers, emergency services, police and law enforcement officers, retail workers, agricultural sector workers, social workers, NGOs and all of the other people who sacrificed time at home or with their families over this weekend. We appreciate and value your service,” Winde concluded.

Picture: Twitter

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Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.