Khayelitsha & Eastern Sub district COVID-19 update – 10 December 2020

The Khayelitsha & Eastern subdistrict in the Metro has recorded 79% and 97% increase new COVID-19 infections respectively. Areas of concern in Khayelitsha, Ilitha Park, Mandela Park, Harare, Ikewzi Park, Kuils River, Strand, Somerset West, Eerste River, Sir Lowrys Pass.

“We are currently facing a second wave and we need to be responsible by protecting one another by appropriately wearing our masks, avoid crowds and gatherings and doing things outdoors.  Stay safe to keep others safe”, says Ms Sheila Mc Cloen, Deputy Director for Comprehensive Health Programmes in Khayelitsha & Eastern Sub-Structure Office.

New cases in the Khayelitsha & Eastern Subdistrict in the Metropole over the last 7 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.

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