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

Level 3 + 20 million vaccine doses secured

Latest update:  15 January 2021

COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE SITUATION NOW

The national total of reported cases stands at 1 296 806 cases as stated in the last official report from the National Department of Health on 14 January, 2021. Here are the official figures:

• 1 296 806 cumulative total of positive cases
• 1 049 740 recorded recoveries 
• 35 852 deaths

here is some good news: President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed in his State of the Nation address that a comprehensive vaccination strategy to reach all parts of the country has been put in place. This will see the roll-out of 20 million vaccine doses delivered ‘mainly’, he said, within the first half of this year.

COVID-19 UPDATE IN WESTERN CAPE: THE SITUATION NOW

As of 14 January, the Western Cape has 37 647 active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 247 806 confirmed cases and 201 370 recoveries, according to the Western Cape government.

• 1 138 172 tests have been conducted
• 247 806 cumulative total of confirmed cases 
• 201 370 recorded recoveries
• 8 789 deaths

LEVEL THREE LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS

The country is in alert level 3, which means that: 

• most indoor and outdoor social, religious and political gatherings will not be permitted. Traditional council meetings and gatherings at sports grounds will not be allowed.
  
  

• new curfew hours will start from 9pm until 5am. All non-essential establishments, such as restaurants and bars, need to close by 8pm.
  
  

• alcohol sales are banned in retail stores. On-site alcohol consumption will not be permitted, and no alcohol consumption will be allowed in public spaces.
  
  

• beaches, lakes, dams, rivers, public swimming pools and parks in the country's hotspots (in the Western Cape, the West Coast District, Overberg District, Winelands District, Cape Town, Central Karoo District) are banned.
  
  

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

PRACTICAL TIPS ON HOW TO LIVE A LITTLE UNDER LOCKDOWN

We need to think a little more carefully about what things we can do in Cape Town, but there are still heaps of ways we can (safely) enjoy the summer sun. Anything outdoors - and socially distanced - is mostly in the clear. That means outdoor restaurants, picnic spots that are regulated, markets, running routes and specific hiking trails are allowed and we have a list for you to browse. 

OUTDOOR RESTAURANTS: 

Enjoying an outdoor socially-distanced lunch in Cape Town is a lot easier than you think. Quince Restaurant has an outside patio that is a prime spot on a hot summer’s day. 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.  

OUTDOOR MARKETS: 

In Cape Town, no matter the day, there is always an outdoor market taking place somewhere. Of course, it is up to you to make sure you keep masked and your distance from other browsers, and be sure to take your own sanitiser. But between the northern and southern suburbs and even a few outside of Cape Town, there are numerous markets you can enjoy that won't break lockdown rules. 

Note: Some of your favourite markets operating hours may have changed. It’s a good idea to double-check before heading out. 

OPEN HIKING TRAILS + PICNIC LUNCHES:

Hiking right now is a tricky topic, as not all hiking trails are open to the public. However, lucky for us, “botanical gardens, national parks and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are already in place may remain open to the public,” as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This means great and safe 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. 

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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for further reading

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Stay updated with the latest lockdown restrictions.
Here’s what you need to know about SA’s newest airline, Lift.
Upskill your life with free and discounted short-courses
Need wine delivered? Check out these places that deliver during lockdown.
Nurses are calling him “the miracle baby” after mother reunites with her lost baby boy.

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The national total of reported cases stands at 6 967 478 cases as stated in the last official report from the National Department of Health on 7 January, 2021. There is some good news: Dr Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that a million doses of vaccines will reach South Africa before month-end, and another 500 000 in February, according to Times Select. Despite the increase in numbers, the country is unlikely to go into hard lockdown again, News24 reported.
  

• 6 967 478 cumulative total of positive cases

• 938 216 recorded recoveries 

31 809 total deaths