Covid-19: 3 060 new cases, 94 deaths

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A total of 3 060 new Covid-19 cases and 94 deaths were recorded in the Garden Route from Monday to Monday, 16 to 23 August.

The George Hospital Covid ward has been filled to over capacity this week and the critical care unit is 87% full.

Nadia Ferreira, district spokesperson for health, said all district hospitals are busy, especially Oudtshoorn Hospital. Oxygen supply is sufficient.

The increase in new cases represents a 34% spike and is in contrast with a downward trend in the previous two weeks. Ferreira said the fluctuation is characteristic of a peak. With 823 positive cases per 100 000 of the population, the Garden Route has the highest rate per 100 000 in the province.

Mediclinic George manager Kassie Karstens said admissions at their hospital are decreasing and they are experiencing some relief on the system. "I think we can be cautiously optimistic that we are over the worst."

A comparison of the hospital admissions in the three waves as provided by George Hospital CEO Michael Vonk.

Weekend vaccination sites coming

Ferreira said the extension of the vaccination programme to include the 18- to 34-year age group has been met with great enthusiasm in some sub-districts. "We are in the process of identifying weekend sites which will be communicated to the public."

The Garden Route has administered over 163 000 vaccines to date. The Garden Route District Municipality has made 20 workers from the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) available to various vaccination sites to assist with administrative duties at entrances. This helps alleviate pressure on medical staff.

Dr Keith Cloete, Head of the Western Cape Health Department, said in a digital conference last week that the province is starting to see the first early signs of exiting its third-wave peak, but the situation is being monitored closely for possible changes.

The reproduction or 'R' (based on cases and deaths) in the province is currently 1,0. This means that for every 10 cases, there are an additional 10 infections.

Case numbers have started to decrease and there are on average of 2 861 new diagnoses each day in the province. Admissions to hospitals have plateaued at approximately 320 new admissions each day.

The daily deaths have come down to about 90 per day.

A comparison of the active cases over time from the first to the third wave, supplied by George Hospital CEO Michael Vonk.