determine levels is whether we are prepared to provide care to every person who needs it at the time they need it.”
PODCAST | …ONE MORE THING: Western Cape ahead of curve, some areas are ready for Level 2 says Winde
As part of the measures taken to curb infections, Winde said the province had adopted a “targeted hot spot” strategy and, using epidemiological data, could focus government efforts on specific geographical areas where the virus was spreading.
“This is not business-as-usual. I take this pandemic seriously and I don’t believe we can just return to normal.
“Major interventions are needed in these hot spots so that we can save lives. This strategy, however, allows for more of the economy to open while doing so, thereby preventing a severe humanitarian crisis from unfolding at the same time,” he added.
Preparedness
Winde said R725.5 million had been committed to fighting Covid-19 in the province, while healthcare facilities and capacity have been made available to receive patients, with talks of more resources being released.
Currently, 2 162 general care beds are available in the province as well as 2 365 beds in 19 quarantine facilities.
There were also 150 ICU beds in central and regional hospitals, Winde said.
It was estimated 200 admissions and 200 discharges would be managed per day during the peak, he added.
Community health workers have been deployed across the country and the province had the highest testing rate in the country per its population, according to Winde.
News24 reported earlier on Tuesday that Gauteng had tested the most people at 127 030, but the Western Cape had tested the most number of people, 1 211, per 100 000.
Winde said the province has 432 ventilators with 100 more in reserve.
The province had also made preparations in terms of economic, social, transport and municipal support, he added.
This includes assisting businesses, essential workers, municipalities and the vulnerable with grants, information and preventative measures.
Unsustainable
However, Winde said, these measures would only last so long.
“Our humanitarian support will become unsustainable over time on our current budgets as more and more people lose their jobs.
“We simply cannot ignore the impact of this on the health of people, especially vulnerable people, into the future.”
Not allowing the economy to open will threaten lives in the future and “this cannot be ignored by the government”, he added.
Winde also called on “every single person” to do their part in flattening the curve.”When you keep yourself safe, through practicing good hygiene, keeping your distance, and wearing a mask properly, you help keep vulnerable people who are at higher risk safe too. Your actions can save lives, and we need every person to continue to be our partner in this Covid-19 response.”
