The latest Covid-19 Ad-Hoc Committee update shows that the number of Covid-19 patients discharged outweighs the number of patients admitted. The weekly tally of daily hospital discharge of Covid-19 patients between 9-16 August 2020 stands at 651 discharges while admissions for the same period is 575.
These numbers indicate continued relaxation of Covid-19 pressure on our healthcare services.
MPP Wendy Philander says: ”Although we cannot completely re-direct attention to non-Covid-19 care, I welcome this development as it will greatly assist in recalibration efforts and relieve the pressure on frontline staff at our facilities. Since the previous report, the number of new recorded cases also declined from 3 621 to 3 247.”
Furthermore, the active Covid-19 cases in the province have declined by approximately 1 500 since last week, and the province now has 5 345 active cases.
MPP Philander adds: “We celebrate every victory as the decrease in numbers not only reduces pressure but allows the province to direct our attention to the second pandemic of unemployment, poverty, and hunger.
We, however, have to remain vigilant in our fight against the virus and practice social distancing as far as possible. The use of masks and good personal hygiene remains imperative for our health.”
The report further indicates a consistent supply of oxygen which has proven to help many Covid-19 patients recover and that contact-tracing remains top priority to limit the spread between residents as we safely reopen the economy.
Covid-19 has unfortunately presented stigmatisation of persons with the virus, which we need to guard against as this undermines treatment efforts.
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape will use every possible measure to keep residents safe, healthy, and informed.
