63 active cases per 100 000

GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route has seen a drop from 450 to 337 recorded active Covid-19 cases in the past week, from Tuesday to Tuesday, 15 to 22 September.

According to Disaster Management chief Gerhard Otto, the figure has stabilised from Monday this week and has not shown a sharp drop or increase. With 63 active cases per 100 000 of the population, the district's figures are still higher than the provincial average of 40 per 100 000.

"We are not there yet, but are happy for the gradual decline. We were expecting a sharp rise because of the further relaxation of the restrictions," he said.

A further 12 deaths were recorded, nine of which were in Oudtshoorn. The total death toll is now 350. One death was recorded in George and the city has 117 active cases, down from 139. "Our focus remains on Oudtshoorn where the defence force is assisting to increase awareness," said Otto.

Twelve people are in the PetroSA quarantine and isolation facility, which represents 10% of its total capacity. Otto said cases needing to go into isolation in the Beaufort West area where capacity is lacking will be brought to PetroSA. "Creating new facilities is expensive in this challenging economic climate and the team is looking at saving by using the existing site."

The clean-up project of illegal dumping sites, especially in the hotspots such as Thembalethu, is ongoing. "If these are a breeding ground for the virus, we are addressing it."

Otto said it is everyone's responsibility to stick to the hygiene rules. "Wear your mask and wash or sanitise your hands. The virus is not going to jump into your body, you have to touch a surface carrying the virus and then touch your face. Masks and clean hands definitely play a role in preventing infection."

Antibody testing
Government has announced a national antibody survey to assess the true extent of infections and determine how many people may have been infected. The number of tests will also be increased and the criteria for testing expanded so that not only the most vulnerable are tested.

GARDEN ROUTE CASES AS OF 22 SEPTEMBER