UPDATE: COVID19 recoveries across old age homes continue to increase

As of 15 March 2021, the number of residents in old age homes, who have recovered from COVID-19 has increased to 2542. The current figures show an increase of 95 recoveries, and a decrease in the number of active infections from 33 to 27, since the Department of Social Development last provided an update on 24 February 2021.

“Our elderly citizens are at greater risk of severe Covid-19 infection, requiring hospitalization or other forms of specialised health services. As such, we remain on high alert, and responsive to any potential risks of infections increasing across old age homes,” said the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

“I would like to encourage all members of the public to take the necessary steps to prevent contracting and spreading COVID-19, to protect themselves, their communities, and especially those who are older and live with high-risk comorbidities.

It is especially important for people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and those who live or visit with them, to protect themselves. This includes wearing our masks to cover both the nose and mouth, regular hand washing, and avoiding crowds, close contact and confined spaces”, added Minister Fernandez.

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)’s role as stipulated in the Older Persons Act, is to register residential facilities and to monitor adherence to norms and standards of care within facilities.

Whilst DSD subsidizes older persons within these respective facilities, all old age homes are owned and managed independently.

In the Western Cape, there is a total of 300 old age homes of which, 117 are funded by the provincial DSD.   

“I wish to thank the managers of every old age home, carers, staff, officials and family members for their ongoing commitment and devotion in helping us manage the spread of the virus at all old age homes.

 We are grateful and appreciative of all your efforts during these challenging times,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

We urge the public to access credible information on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development