Southern Subdistrict COVID-19 update – 11 December 2020

The Southern sub-district in the Cape Metro continues has experienced a 65% increase of recorded new COVID-19 infections this past week. It has also been noted that COVID-19 hospital admissions have been rising rapidly. 

Active Cases in the Southern sub-district are now close to the COVID-19 totals encountered during the first wave earlier this year.  Rapid outbreaks are being experienced in Grassy Park, Lotus River, Retreat, Rondebosch, Ottery and Plumstead.  Ongoing outbreaks continue in Ocean View, Wynberg, Claremont, Masiphumelele, Pelican Park, Strandfontein and Steenberg and early outbreaks have been noted in Fish Hoek, Kenilworth and Mowbray.   

New cases in the Southern subdistrict in the Metropole over the last 14 days:

The subdistrict also recorded 23 new deaths over the last seven days. 

Contact Tracing Team members have reported that more than 80% of the positive cases followed up in the Southern and Western substructure are unsure of how the virus was contracted.  Of the remaining cases the top three sources of infection were:

• At home or from a family member
• Social gatherings or from a friend
• The workplace

We continue to appeal to all citizens in these areas to do their part so that we can bring the situation under control again. We need to remain safe and protect each other by:

• Wearing a mask properly as this 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.
•  

INCREASE OF TESTING CAPACITY IN THE SOUTHERN SUBDISTRICT

Covid-19 testing can be accessed during the week at any of the WCGH facilities.  Louise Appolis, Primary Health Care Manager for the substructure shares “For ease of access and especially with the resurgence of cases, we want all patients to be aware of testing times so that they are able to access the facility for testing at the appropriate times.”

Should you be experiencing any mild symptoms, we encourage you to visit your nearest facility (see below) for testing from Monday to Friday during the week during the following hours:

Southern Facilities

Grassy Park CDC - 10H00 to 13 H00

Lotus River CDC -10h00am and 13h00pm

Lady Michaelis CDC - Monday to Thursdays 7h30 till 13h30; Fridays 7h30 to 12h00

Hout Bay CDC – 14:00 daily by appointment

Retreat CHC - 10h00; 12h00; 14h00 and 16h00
 

In addition, 24 hour facilities have now extended their Covid-19 testing times from Monday to Friday.  Retreat Community Health Centre can therefore be accessed during the following times:

• Weekends and Public Holidays from 10:00 – 12:00
• After hours, Monday to Friday 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.