DEVELOPING: Coronavirus COVID-19 in Cape Town. Updates + practical tips

Covid-19 update: 281 healthcare workers vaccinated in province, 93,6% recovery rate nationally

Latest update: 19 February 2021

COVID-19 UPDATE IN WESTERN CAPE: THE SITUATION NOW

As of 18 February, the Western Cape has administered 281 vaccines to healthcare workers as part of J&J vaccine trial. So far, the Western Cape has 4 975 active cases of COVID-19 (the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases minus the number of recovered cases and the number of deaths), with a total of 273 105 confirmed cases, according to the Western Cape government.

Below are the Western Cape stats, according to the WC government’s dashboard:

• 281 total vaccines administered

• 1 300 331 tests have been conducted

• 273 105 total of confirmed cases  

• 257 148 recorded recoveries

• 10 982 deaths
  
  

COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE SITUATION NOW

The national total of reported cases stands at 1 498 766 cases, as stated in the last official report on 18 February 2021, from the National Department of Health. This means there have been 2 327 new cases since Dr Zweli Mkhize’s report on 18 February. Here are the official figures:

• 1 498 766  total positive cases

• 1 403 214 recorded recoveries, which is a recovery rate of 93,6%

• 48 708 total deaths

As South Africa has now passed the peak of its Covid-19 wave with a positive drop in hospital admissions and infection rates Cyril Ramaphosa has eased a number of the existing level three lockdown restrictions.

LOCKDOWN LEVEL 3: RESTRICTIONS 

• Faith-based gatherings are allowed, subject to health protocols. They may not exceed 50 people for indoor venues and 100 for outdoor venues. If the venue is too small to accommodate more than 50 people, the venue may exceed no more than 50% of its capacity. (Note: funerals are still limited to 50.)

• New curfew hours will run from 11pm until 4am. All non-essential establishments, such as restaurants and bars, need to close by 10pm.

• The sale of alcohol by retail outlets will be permitted from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm.

• Onsite alcohol consumption at licensed outlets is allowed throughout the week from 10am to 10pm. This includes restaurants, bars and taverns.

• Wine farms, registered wineries, micro-distilleries and microbreweries can sell alcohol for off-site consumption during normal licensed operating hours.

• Public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks and public swimming pools will be reopened subject to health protocols. 

• Wearing a mask is still compulsory when in public spaces. Not wearing it could get you a fine or in jail.
  
  

PRACTICAL TIPS ON HOW TO SAFELY ENJOY CAPE TOWN’S SUMMER

We’re not completely in the clear just yet. We can still do our bit to slow the spread of infection whilst safely enjoying Cape Town’s summer sun. Anything outdoors - and socially distanced - is good to go and we have a list for you to browse. 

OPEN HIKING TRAILS, OUTDOOR SWIMS, BEACH VISITS + PICNIC LUNCHES:

CapeNature has reopened access to beaches, dams, rivers, lakes, public parks and swimming pools are back on the cards (subject to health protocols), CapeNature announced on 4 February. Take yourself out for a day up the green paths and into the crystal clear dams at Krom River, or stay closer to home and lounge around your nearest public swimming pool. You could also take the kids and the pooch for a run around Cape Town’s biggest treehouse in Paradise Park or hike in the great outdoors. Outdoor activities like hiking on Table Mountain National Park, a picnic lunch at Harold Porter garden, taking a walk around Paradise Park and picnics at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are open for visitors. 

OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS: 

Enjoying an outdoor socially-distanced lunch in Cape Town is a lot easier than you think. Little Stream Farmhouse Deli is perfect for a picnic lunch with a few hidden gems you can discover on your visit there. If you have kids with boundless energy, Barstaurant in False Bay has an outdoor jungle gym that is great for parents who want to relax and keep an eye on the little ones. You could also pop-into Peter Tempelhoff’s new restaurant, Beyond – the glass windows all around the space fully open up to create a relaxed indoor-outdoor experience. But, have a good look around. Cape Town is full of good socially-distanced dining experiences.  

THESE ARE THE BASICS TO STAYING SAFE

South Africa’s official coronavirus website https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ advises us to do the following to stay safe:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. It’s still one of the most effective ways to keep the virus at bay.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throw it in the bin.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

 

 

 

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WATCH: NEW CORONAVIRUS MYTHS GET BUSTED BY EPIDEMIOLOGISTS

Science Insider brought back epidemiologists Syra Madad and Stephen Morse six months later to debunk 14 NEW myths about the coronavirus. Some of these myths include washing vegetables with bleach, young kids having immunity, warm weather slowing down the virus and more. Brush up on your Covid-19 knowledge even more by getting familiar with the answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus.

 


HOW SOUTH AFRICA EASES IN AND OUT OF LOCKDOWN 

There is a risk-adjusted lockdown strategy in place. There are 5 levels, which will work similarly to loadshedding. These levels are implemented based on the number of new infections and healthcare system readiness. We are currrently under level 3 lockdown. 

For the latest regulation changes that should come with a new level, read our lockdown news update. 

HOW THE CORONAVIRUS HAS AFFECTED TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT

Interprovincial travel is allowed under level 3, but not international travel. Public transport is operational. Stay up to date with the government’s travel precautions.

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Need wine delivered? Check out these places that deliver during lockdown.
What we can expect from SONA 2021.
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CapeNature has reopened access to beaches, dams, rivers, lakes, public parks and swimming pools (subject to health protocols),