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By Theolin Tembo 
16h ago
Cape Town: Due to a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases on the Garden Route, the Government of the Western Cape has issued an urgent hotspot alert for the area.
The announcement was made on Tuesday when Prime Minister Alan Winde explained that the increase in the area was the main contributor to the remarkable growth in active cases in the Western Cape.
“Specifically, we are concerned about the growing number of cases in George, Knysna and Bitou. George, who currently has 628 active cases, has the highest number of active cases in the province, ”Winde said.
Over the weekend, 160 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in George, 145 new cases in Knysna / Bitou, 41 new cases in Mossel Bay and seven new cases in Hessequa.
The prime minister said that along with the increase in cases in the region, there was an increase in hospitalizations.
“Our hospitals still have sufficient capacity to cope with the increase in cases. However, we all must take responsibility for ensuring that we can contain the spread of the virus.
“The Garden Route Hotspot team has increased surveillance through examinations and testing. We are also working closely with municipalities, environmental health teams and stakeholders in the region to manage and contain the spread, ”said Winde.
Hotspot alert issued for Garden Route 📢
The WC Gov has issued an urgent hotspot alert for Garden Route, due to the rapid increase in Covid-19 cases in that area.
Statement: https://t.co/zwZEWQpXjg pic.twitter.com/Nho52rWLFB
– Prime Minister Alan Winde (@alanwinde) November 17, 2020
“This includes a concerted communication campaign in the area. We are also paying special attention to vulnerable groups, including in nursing homes. “
Garden Route residents and visitors have been urged to do their part to help stop this increase. They have been advised to:
- Wear your masks at all times when in public places
- Avoid meetings
- Avoid crowded places, especially when there is little ventilation.
- Stay at least 1.5 meters away
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
“If you feel sick, stay home and if you experience symptoms, call the hotline on 080 928 4102 for instructions and next steps.
“We can only control this situation if everyone takes responsibility now.
“On Thursday, my weekly digital press conference will specifically focus on Garden Route and I will lay out more details about our response plans for the district,” Winde said.
Cape argus
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