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The popular Tin Roof nightclub in Claremont is at the center of a Covid-19 outbreak affecting high school students.
Aljoscha Kohlstock, News24
- The number of Covid-19 cases linked to an event at Cape Town’s Tin Roof bar has risen to 73.
- Most have mild symptoms, but two were hospitalized and one was discharged after a short stay.
- Another group related to a funeral has also been identified.
The number of Covid-19 cases linked to an event at Cape Town’s Tin Roof bar has risen to 73, with all but two experiencing mild symptoms, the Western Cape Health Department said Wednesday.
This was an increase from the 63 cases shared by Western Cape Prime Minister Alan Winde on Tuesday.
Spokesman Mark van der Heever said two people were hospitalized, but one was released after a short stay.
Another group linked to a funeral has been identified, but further details were not immediately available.
READ | Cape Town teens flocked to Tin Roof for a night of cheap booze – now at least 47 have Covid-19
The event linked to Tin Roof has also triggered a mass communication campaign in Western Cape schools to remind students of the Covid-19 protocols.
“In total, 73 cases have been confirmed. This means that the contacts of 73 households are currently being traced,” Van der Heever said.
“Again, the data is emerging and will be updated as soon as confirmation is received.”
All confirmed cases were recommended to be isolated based on health requirements and quarantine was recommended for those who were in close contact, but not symptomatic.
Protocols
Tin Roof previously told News24 that it had all protocols in place and considered the venue to be safe.
It had even halved its usual number of customers and made disinfectant available. He added that customers had to wear masks when traveling to order a drink and that disinfection was done during this transaction.
He expressed concern about the alleged partying of some patrons skipping private parties before going to the bar and claimed that other establishments were having very large gatherings.
News24 previously reported that 47 school students who visited the Tin Roof had tested positive for the virus.
The popular Tin Roof nightclub in Claremont is at the center of a Covid-19 outbreak affecting high school students.
Van der Heever said the Western Cape government is continuing its province-wide awareness campaign to educate people on necessary safe behaviors and is reaching out to schools to bring the message home again.
To prevent
“An important message to be received is that young people also have a role to play in preventing new Covid-19 infections, even if they are at lower risk of severe Covid-19 illness,” he said.
So far no cases related to public transport have been reported.
Together with the Department of Health, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism has worked on detailed health and safety guidelines to be followed by all businesses and is conducting business safety communication campaigns.
It also has a complaint line for the public or employees to report businesses that are not following proper security protocols.
He said that regardless of the nature of a business, there are certain preventive and safety measures that must be implemented. It includes taking steps for physical distancing, disinfection, and wearing masks at all times (except when eating or drinking).
Van der Heever said: “It is possible to stay safe and move forward to grow the economy and save jobs. This requires all people and businesses to play their part and follow these important guidelines.”
