Update: Old Age Home Recoveries | Western Cape Government

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Update: Old Age Home Recoveries

23 December 2020

The number of residents who have recovered from Covid-19 in old age homes has increased to 1 792, and we remain encouraged by this. However, in the space of a week active infections among residents have more than doubled from 32 cases on 14 December, to 78 on 21 December.

“I once again urge the public to proceed with extreme caution when engaging our seniors. It is up to each of us to act responsibly, so that we can protect not only ourselves, but others too,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

Whilst there are infections in old age homes throughout the province, the highest number of active infections are in facilities based in the Metro North region, which includes Panorama, Pinelands, Bellville, and Durbanville. Facilities in the Eden Karoo region – which includes George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay – continue to show high numbers.

Minister Fernandez re-iterated her concern at the increase of new infections, and urged everyone to continue wearing their masks correctly, washing their hands regularly, avoiding crowded places, and to stay home if sick.

The Department of Social Development is in contact with these homes, particularly where numbers have spiked, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

All old age homes have been informed of the increase in infections, and we have asked managers of these homes to be vigilant in the implementation of the Covid-19 protocols.

The protocols developed by the provincial Departments of Social Development and Health, which guide the management and referrals of Covid-19 outbreaks at homes, are still in place. (see link for more information Guidelines for Long Term Care Facilities and COVID-19).