Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert 6

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre and its stakeholders conducted multiple operations across the province over the past weekend in ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

A major cause of concern at present is reports of parties and other large social gatherings in some parts of the province and which has led to multiple confirmed infections amongst attendees.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says the province is calling on members of the public to desist from hosting or attending events with large numbers of people.

“This is not the time to hold big parties regardless the reason. If we wish to have a safe, happy festive season, it is critical to keep our guard up and to be responsible.”

Bredell has urged the public to beware of the three Cs: crowded areas, confined spaces and close contact.

“Wash and sanitise your hands regularly and wear a mask when going out in public, remembering to wear it properly, fully covering both your mouth and nose.”

Some of the actions taken over the past weekend includes:

• In the Garden Route infections and hospitalisations continue to increase rapidly. Additional medical equipment and medical personnel has been deployed to key areas.
• Concerns about infection clusters due to several smaller parties held in the Garden Route and the Central Karoo regions remain. These parties include a Cooler Box Festival in Ladismith in the Central Karoo, and a matric party held in Knysna. Both events have led to multiple infections.
• The organisers of Rage in Plettenberg Bay have again confirmed that the event has been postponed. This follows recent revelations following similar events in other provinces.
• In the Central Karoo region, vehicle checkpoints were held at all key entry points to the hub of Beaufort-West.
• In the City of Cape Town, inspections were conducted at clubs and restaurants in the CBD.
• The Western Cape Transport and Public Works Minister, Bonginkosi Madikizela, visited the Joe Gqabi Long Distance Bus Interchange in Philippi East to inspect compliance to Covid-19 regulations.
• In all regions, stakeholders continue to conduct blitzes and drive awareness campaigns.

Members of the public, businesses and other organisations who wish to report violations of COVID-19 protocols can do so as follows:

> Using the online complaint form available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

> Dial *134*234# to report non-compliance of public transport

> For COVID-19 health related queries, the provincial COVID-19 toll-free hotline number is 080 928 4102

> For general queries, the Western Cape Government's contact centre can be reached on 0860 142 142