KLEIN KAROO NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Health is concerned with the increase in Covid-19 numbers in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. 

Numbers of positive cases have increased by 823 over the past week which is double the number of new cases of the previous week.

In a statement released by Nadia Ferreira, Principal Communications Officer Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, she quotes Dr Terence Marshall, the health cluster lead for Department of Health, as saying: 

"The total number of positive patients for the district is 12 289 in comparison with a week earlier of 11 466. This is an increase of 823 positive patients which is most disconcerting. The increase for the previous week was 410 cases. There has been a 237% district increase in cases over the last 7 days, compared to the 7 days prior."

Marshall warns that Covid-19 is not gone. "We need to work together to avoid a second wave. As more people are moving around and economic activity is allowed under level 1 restrictions, we are seeing smaller clusters of infections flare-up.

Many of these flare-ups originate at social gatherings which can be anything from a party, religious gathering or even in a workplace – any place where large numbers of people congregate."

According to Ferreira, there are currently 36 COVID-19-patients in hospital of which 24 are in ICU/high care.

The statistics for Oudtshoorn on 16 November were as follows:

To date 1 671 number of positive cases have been reported of which 61 are still active. Recoveries are 1500 and 110 people in the Greater Oudtshoorn have died from Covid-related causes.

In the whole district, there have been 12 289 cases thus far with 10 615 recoveries and 411 deaths.

On 16 November there were 1 264 active cases in the Garden Route.

The Executive Mayor, Councillor Chris Macpherson is pleading with the residents of the Greater Oudtshoorn to adhere to the COVID19 regulations. 

"Even though the Greater Oudtshoorn had the second lowest increase in the Garden Route Municipality District, we remain concern as we experience many COVID19 related deaths," said Macpherson.

"We urge the people of the Greater Oudtshoorn to adhere to COVID19 regulations that include wearing of masks, keeping of safe social distancing and constantly washing of hands. We can only win over COVID19 and go back to normal if we work together. All of us want to avoid the second wave of the virus; however, the manner in which people behave is certainly taking us to the second wave of the virus," Macpherson added.

The following tips were issued by the Department of Health:

• Use outside space because fresher is better – dine outside, do outdoor activities
• Make smart choices in every setting. For example, take the stairs if you cannot distance in the elevator.
• Review the capacity of a venue – if you cannot maintain 1,5m then consider an alternative venue. Reward those businesses that think of your safety.
• Avoid queues and close contact where possible when going out - order drinks and food from your table instead of standing in queues. If someone stands too close, kindly and politely ask them to step back.
• Ensure the venue you are at has its windows open to ensure fresh air circulates. If not, find a venue that will.
• If inside, keep masks whenever possible (when finished eating) and try and sit close to an open window.
• Always wear your mask when outside and continue applying the 5 golden rules of hygiene in your everyday activities.
• Do not share drinks or cigarettes, and make sure your cutlery has been properly cleaned before use.
• If you are sick, STAY at home. It is not worth the risk of infecting your friends.

'We bring you the latest Klein Karoo news'