[ad_1]
Alan Winde. (Photo: Jaco Marais)
- Alan Winde says the data coupled with the current state of the Western Cape health platform showed that moving to stricter regulations “at this stage would not achieve the balance we need to save lives and livelihoods.”
- The province continued to show a decrease in Covid-19 cases, while admissions and deaths, as well as the proportion of positive tests remained “stable” at 5.1%.
- The ANC’s Cameron Dugmore, however, says the DA “always chooses economics over lives, no matter what the risks of a third wave are.”
A change to Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions during the upcoming Easter period is not supported by provincial statistics and will undermine the Western Cape’s economic recovery, Prime Minister Alan Winde said on Tuesday.
The data and the current state of the province’s health platform showed that moving to stricter regulations “at this stage would not achieve the balance we need to save lives and livelihoods,” he said in a statement.
“I am particularly concerned that it is dealing another devastating blow to our tourism and hospitality economy in the Western Cape, which is currently under immense pressure and needs this upcoming holiday period to recover,” said Winde.
“It should also be noted that there are currently numerous restrictions on alert level 1, which must be applied appropriately to ensure compliance with important health protocols.”
Concern over a third wave of Covid-19 has led to talk of a possible alcohol ban, but Remgro, which has a controlling stake in Distell, which owns popular brands Klipdrift and Savanna, says it will rebound from such a ban. | @ End24 https://t.co/4TaBmboJ5Z
– News24 (@ News24) March 30, 2021
He said his administration “will continue to do everything possible to ensure that we delay a possible third wave for as long as possible.”
“We fully agree that this period is a great risk and that each person, family, company and civil society group has a role to play. Personal responsibility will be essential in the coming weeks.”
The ANC’s Cameron Dugmore, the official opposition leader in the Western Cape Legislature, said that just as a decision must be made on the best way to curb the pandemic during the Christmas period, a decision must also be made on the best way. . to avoid super spreader events during Easter weekend. He argued that it was “clear that some additional measures will be needed.”
READ | As Easter weekend approaches, Ramaphosa says: ‘The threat of a third wave is real and always present’
“The DA always chooses economics over lives, no matter what the risks of a third wave are. We need to make sure our country participates in Easter in a way that does not increase the risks of infection.”
The Good Party general secretary and member of the Provincial Legislature, Brett Herron, said the provincial health department has expressed concern about another spike in cases during the Easter and Ramadan period.
“When the prime minister says that he is listening to science, it is clear that he is listening selectively and he is not listening to his own health professionals who have done an excellent job and should be taken seriously,” he said.
“We must minimize the scope of the restrictions as much as possible, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that there is a massive risk of an increase in cases with the long weekend ahead.”
According to Winde, the Western Cape government’s response to the pandemic “from the beginning has been based on data, evidence and science.”
“We have also always argued that a balance must be struck to save lives and livelihoods in our province. This is because a humanitarian crisis caused by economic constraints will also cost lives in the Western Cape and South Africa.”
It said data on its health platform continued to show a decline in cases, while admissions and deaths in the Western Cape, though it is beginning to stabilize, and the proportion of positive tests remained “stable” at 5.1%.
“Cases in Cape Metro decreased by 20%. Cases in rural districts overall have decreased by 26%,” he said.
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA | Religious gatherings: we must act responsibly
The occupancy of Covid-19 beds in the metropolis is 15%, 16% in the George drainage area, 21% in the Paarl district and 23% in the Worcester drainage area.
“There are only 27 patients at Brackengate Hospital of Hope (338 bed capacity) [and] only 41 patients at Mitchells Plain Hospital of Hope (200-bed capacity), “Winde said.
“These data, in general, demonstrate a health platform that currently has the ability to respond to Covid-19.”
The province’s economy was hit hard in 2020 and is only now beginning to “see signs of a delicate recovery.”
“According to Wesgro research, net job losses in 2020 exceeded 150,000 in the Western Cape. Almost all of the major tourist attractions in the Western Cape reflected a more than 60% drop in visitors during peak tourism season in December, “he noted. .
“The Easter period is very important for domestic tourism in South Africa and limiting demand now will result in further job losses. Almost 30% of surveyed restaurants have closed temporarily or permanently, according to data from the South African Restaurant Association “.
Winde said an industry impact report from Cape Town Tourism, released in February 2021, showed that 68% of surveyed companies have already laid off staff and 83% have implemented pay cuts.
“The same report found that of the businesses that are still in operation, 68% trust the domestic market to keep their doors open, given the low demand from international travelers.
“The first two alcohol bans have already resulted in the loss of some 165,000 jobs across the country, and this sector is important for maintaining agricultural jobs in the Western Cape.”
He said his administration will continue its many interventions, including working with religious groups through its Network of Religious Organizations to “ensure necessary behavior change.”
Did you know that you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
[ad_2]
