Vigilance remains key to beating the second COVID-19 wave
05 January 2021
With nearly 25 000 known active cases in the metropole, the City renews its appeal to residents to continue playing their part to limit the spread of the virus.
The City of Cape Town remains very concerned about the high rate of COVID-19 infections in the metropole, and the expected peak that is forecast to hit later this week.
It is common cause that the health system is under severe pressure amid increasing hospitalisations and persons requiring care.
As things stand, the metropole has 24 626 active cases, with the highest caseloads in the following sub-districts: Southern, Tygerberg, Western and Eastern.
City Health continues to assist with testing at its facilities, contact tracing and monitoring compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
‘Based on feedback from staff, there appears to be an improvement in terms of compliance with the health and safety protocols by individuals as well as establishments. But we are still not at 100%, and that is concerning. The message has been very clear about what the public can do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and it boggles the mind that some people continue to disregard this critical guidance and advice. There is a great responsibility on each and every one of us to do what we can to fight this pandemic, and I urge the public to please get on board and help us to help them,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Residents are advised to stay home and leave only for essential shopping or health visits, or to go to work; abide by the current disaster management regulations which prohibit social gatherings; wear a mask at all times when in public and to maintain a distance of at least 1,5 metres from others at all times.
In the last week, the City’s cemeteries have recorded a 30% increase in burials.
Of the 501 burials, 139 took place at Klip Road cemetery in Grassy Park, 121 at Maitland and 94 at Welmoed.
There has also been an increase in the number of cremations.
‘Not all of the burials are COVID-related, and the increase could in part be attributed to the recent long weekends, as some burials would have been postponed. However, it is a fact that there has been an increase in deaths attributed to the virus, and so the sad reality is that our cemeteries will be busier in the weeks ahead. Our staff have expressed concern about funerals and the lack of social distancing, in particular. While we understand that burying a loved one is a very emotional time for distraught families, we ask that funeral-goers please be mindful at all times of the need to adhere to safety protocols,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
The City is aware that COVID-19 is not only taking a psychological toll on those who have lost loved ones, but the public at large.
For mental health support, residents are advised to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
- Free telephonic counselling is available 24 hours a day on: 0800 21 22 23, 0800 70 80 90, 0800 456 789 ,0800 12 13 14 and the Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567
- WhatsApp chat (076 88 22 77 5) with a counsellor seven days a week, 09:00 – 16:00
- SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call back (available 24 hours a day)
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
