GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route has recorded six Covid-19 deaths in the past week (from 6 to 13 October), which brings the total number of fatalities to 369.

The six most recent deaths were in George (2), Bitou (1) and Oudtshoorn (3).

In a media statement by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) today, Disaster Management Chief Gerhard Otto expressed his concern about some people not adhering to hygiene protocols. "From what I have seen many people in the Garden Route no longer abide to these basic rules, not only compromising their own health but also the health of those around them."

He warned that in other countries it has been demonstrated that a "second wave is directly linked to human behaviour".

Otto referred to news reports about a 25-year-old man from the United States with no comorbidities who got infected for a second time. The second infection was much worse and the man was hospitalised.

Testing criteria
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said in a statement last week the expanding of testing criteria in September saw an increase in the number of tests being conducted in the province, however, the average test positivity rate has remained below 10%. 

"This, coupled with other indicators such as the number of deaths, hospitalisations, and oxygen consumption (currently 38% of total capacity), gives us reliable evidence that infections in the province are still declining."

He urged citizens to rather support businesses that put everyone's safety first and to report businesses who do not adhere to safety protocols.

Testing strategy
According to the expanded testing criteria in the province, anyone who is symptomatic will be tested. Coronavirus testing is now also conducted in the case of pre-op patients (asymptomatic), natural deaths at home as well as symptomatic public sector essential workers, prisoners, learners and school staff and workers in workplaces. 

This is thanks to laboratories coping well with the demand for testing.

'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'