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By Tshego Lepule, Sam Spiller, Nathan Craig 
2h ago
Cape Town: A tough, short-term lockdown is potentially in play for the Western Cape amid rising Covid-19 infections on the Cape Metro and Garden Route, which could affect holiday season activities and vacation plans for many residents and visitors. In recent weeks, the province has felt the effects of superprocessor events. Prime Minister Alan Winde chaired a meeting on Friday to come up with a plan to try to suppress the surge in cases.
According to the weekly epidemiology report from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, the increase in cases in the province was driven by the infection rate of the Garden Route, which has increased gradually since mid-October until the current strong rebound.
As of Friday, Garden Route had 2,382 cases seven days ago, more than double the 1,100 cases 14 days earlier.
George had a 100% increase in cases with 995 new infections, followed by Knysna with 489 cases, an increase of 137%.
In the Cape Metro, there was a 73% increase in a seven-day period, an increase from 1,502, 14 days ago to 2,598 seven days ago.
Mitchells Plain saw the largest increase at 185%, followed by Khayelitsha at 92%.
Professor Burtram Fielding, UWC director of research and development, said the resurgence could cause a second wave.
“It depends a lot on human behavior over the next few weeks and how we deal with infections. People mask themselves now and stay home when sick. If people neglect those things, the number of infected could increase and we could be in a second wave … “
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said that nationally, the figures were now driven by the Eastern Cape, which reflected between 50% and 55% of daily positive cases, followed by the Western Cape with daily increases accounting for around 25%. .
Mkhize said that any restrictions will be based on evidence and that no official decisions have been made yet.
But Professor Salim Abdool Karim, an epidemiologist and co-chair of the ministerial advisory committee, cautioned that the first wave started in a similar way.
“This virus requires super spread events and that is what I am afraid happened in the Eastern Cape. Preliminary information suggests that the outbreaks started in student residents and alcohol establishments were in breach of regulations.
“I am afraid that on December 16, when people are not working, they will go to their respective provinces of origin to celebrate. The inhibitions will be removed and this could be exactly what the virus needs to explode again, ”he said.
Karim said he had zero tolerance for danger from others.
“All restaurants, shopping malls, bars, clubs and similar establishments that violate the regulations must be closed and fined. It’s that easy. We have to protect each other. “
Five point plan
Winde said the strategies presented at Friday’s meeting focused on a five-point plan from the Health Department that would be presented to the Provincial Cabinet on Tuesday for adoption.
He added that one of the measures discussed was a “mini-confinement” that would be a last resort that the province would consider if the health system is affected.
“What is happening in other parts of the world, like Australia and Singapore, is what they call a circuit breaker. The easiest way to explain it would be a mini block, ”he said.
“They put certain regulations in a municipality or district for six days … no weddings, no funerals, no super broadcast events, so no permits were issued.
“This circuit breaker allows track and trace and slows down hospitalization because it slows down its spread. But it’s a complex I don’t want to move to because you have wedding businesses that make a living from it.
“I have spoken with the City and Councilman James Vos and they have already passed new regulations. I want restaurants to open onto roads or parking lots after 6pm, when the roads are quieter, because more people are needed outdoors, more fresh air and free space.
“Emergency closings destroy our jobs, but even a mini-circuit breaker would also destroy jobs because you have to close, have an arrival time or people cannot leave.”
Winde said it was important to examine existing legal frameworks to establish what powers the provincial government has.
“What powers do I or a provincial government have to handle this virus or is it something that I have to ask the president (if) this province is reaching a stage where we need to have a blockade?”
He also added that the health department was working on trigger points that would indicate that pressures on the system would require stricter measures.
“I have asked what are the points that say we need to install another CTICC (field hospital). That’s a blockade for that, do we have enough medical attention and is the virus slow enough?
“You don’t want to get to a point where our system can’t cope and needs a drastic measure,” he added.
While tighter restrictions may affect the holiday season and economic recovery, the Cape Chamber of Commerce said it would support any evidence-based decision made.
“We understand that people are suffering the business consequences of infection control, but decisions that affect human life should not be made lightly. We appreciate the argument of the prolonged suffering that the confinement imparts, but we support the Prime Minister’s decision, “said Janine Myburgh of the chamber.
“We cannot afford a Covid resurgence, that impact will cause even more pain and suffering. We have to do everything possible to avoid further restrictions at all costs. We must adhere to the established protocol.
“The economy can hardly survive a further lockdown.”
The resurgence hasn’t stopped people from making vacation plans and attending events.
James Tagg, Co-Founder and Principal of Quicket, said the online booking platform had seen a boom in physical events taking place during the season. “People (are) buying tickets, most of the shows are sold out. People are obviously suspicious of the announcement made by the prime minister, but it has not dampened the spirit. “
Waterfront Charters, a Cape Town company that offers private boat charters and cruise parties, said bookings had been higher than expected.
“Many of these special event cruises sold out well in advance,” said spokesperson Graham Barlow. Meanwhile, the Protea Hotel Fire and Ice! At Tamboerskloof, it will host its annual New Years Eve celebration.
General manager Albert Smit said the event will be scaled down with an attendance limited to 200 people.
The celebration of the midnight Christmas mass in the Cathedral of Saint George is also planned. The Rev. Michael Weeder said attendance was by registration only, at the cathedral office.
Enrollees are expected to attend the annual Plett Rage in Plettenberg Bay from January 29 to February 6.
Festival Director Ronen Klugman said: “Our technology allows track and trace, everyone has wristbands that are scanned when they enter specific spaces. We have a complete medical detail and information about the clientele.
“We are also considering having all customers tested for Covid-19 72 hours before they arrive at Plett, which is unprecedented.”
The V&A Waterfront canceled its New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Argus weekend
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