Southern Subdistrict COVID-19 update – 3 December 2020

The Southern subdistrict in the Metro has been identified as a great concern with an 50% increase of recorded new COVID-19 infections – predominantly in Grassy Park, Lotus River, Wynberg, Rondebosch, Claremont, Ottery, Plumstead, Pelikan Park, Strandfontein, Retreat, Ocean View, Steenberg and Masiphumelele.

New cases in the Southern subdistrict in the Metropole over the last 7 days:

The subdistrict also recorded 6 new deaths over the last seven days.

Reports from our local surveillance team indicate that gatherings at social events, going to shopping centres while not adhering to protective measures such as wearing a mask and keeping a distance continues to contribute to the increase of positive cases.

We call on the citizens to do their part so we can bring the situation under control again. We all have a role to play through our own actions.  Our behaviour will be influenced once we acknowledge and accept that the virus is not gone but will be with us over the holidays and beyond. Therefore, we need to remain safe and protect each other by:

• Wearing a mask properly is of life-saving importance. You must always wear your masks when outside of your home. There can be no exceptions.
• You must avoid crowded and confined spaces at all costs. This is where super-spreader events take place.
•  You must urgently reconsider hosting all non-essential gatherings of people this year, especially indoor gatherings with poor ventilation. 
• You must ensure there is always good ventilation whenever you’re in public. The virus droplets spread by air in confined spaces, and so fresher is better.
• You must wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitiser.
• If you feel sick, you should not leave your home unless it is to get healthcare treatment. You must first call our hotline on 080 928 4102 for guidance on the next steps.
• You should also not visit someone who is sick, and find other ways to provide support, like delivering a meal to a neighbour’s doorstep.

Should you be experiencing any mild symptoms, we encourage you to visit your nearest facility for testing from Monday to Friday during the week.  All 24 hour facilities have now extended their testing times.  Retreat Community Health Centre can therefore be accessed during the following times for testing now:

•  Weekends and Public Holidays from 10:00 – 12:00
• After hours from 16:00 – 18:00

Every single resident should assume that Covid-19 is everywhere they go and take all the necessary precautions at every point along their journey.