The Western Cape Government remains on high alert following the announcement of a new variant, Omicron, first discovered by our world-class scientists in South Africa.
Premier Alan Winde said: “We have excellent surveillance systems in place in the province, and we are closely monitoring all our metrics to ensure that we remain prepared. However, what is clear is that there are still many unknowns on how this new variant will impact the pandemic, and that is why we urge the public to remain calm while increasing their vigilance during this time. We also urge our scientists to find the answers we need as quickly as possible.”
The extensive travel bans on South Africa will be devastating for the provincial economy, which is reliant on international visitors during our peak season.
Premier Alan Winde continued: “This has been a hammer blow to our major job-creating sector in the province precisely when we needed a recovery, to claw back jobs lost over the last 19 months. This is extremely distressing to me, especially because the WHO has made it clear that travel bans are not an effective response. Our economy needs help urgently and that is why I call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce an emergency financial support package for this sector so that we save jobs.”
The Western Cape Government is guided by its position that a balance is needed when responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that both lives and livelihoods are saved.
Premier Alan Winde commented: “In the President’s Coordination Council called for today, I will maintain our position that we need to save both lives and jobs. We must not add to this crisis, by giving effect to a worsening jobs and humanitarian crisis that will undoubtedly cost lives too. We must be guided by expert advice and sound data, and we must always ask ourselves how any proposed action will impact our poorest residents who need jobs to be able to put food on the table for their families.”
The Western Cape Government and its partners are assisting stranded passengers at Cape Town International Airport, following the cancellation of numerous flights out of the country.
The Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier said: “We are devastated that, at the very moment recovery was kicking in, we have been hit by a new variant which has turned things upsides down and which is a major setback for our tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape.”
“In response, I have convened daily coordination meetings with our partners, including my department, ACSA, and Wesgro. We have been working around the clock to assist passengers who have been stranded by providing access to transport and accommodation, and by liaising with Consulates to assist where necessary. We want these tourists to come back again soon and so making sure they get all the help they need during this stressful time is important to us.”
The Western Cape Government advises travellers to check their flight status before going to the airport and to liaise with their consulate to find out what assistance is available. Wesgro has also set up a dedicated FAQ page on the website, which can be of assistance: https://www.wesgro.co.za/corporate/resources/traveller-faqs
The Western Cape Government has been in regular contact with the Consular Corps and will convene meetings with business to provide updates on latest developments. “During this time of uncertainty, our economy needs as much information as possible so the best possible decisions can be made based on reliable and accurate information. That is why I will also convene meetings with business so that we can share what we know and so that we can find out how we can help them during this time,” added Minister Maynier.
The Western Cape Government has detailed plans in place for the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, based on learnings from the first three waves.
The Provincial Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said: “We have confidence that our existing strategies in place, which we have adapted over the last 3 waves, continue to be the correct approach even in face of a new variant. As we learn more, we will adjust our plans as necessary based on pre-determined triggers of the projected hospital capacity needed. We remain committed to ensuring that no person in this province will suffer the indignity of not having a hospital bed when they need it.”
Scientists agree that vaccination remains the most effective tool we have to save lives and that this is even more important now with the discovery of a possibly more transmissible variant.
Minister Mbombo continued: “Leading scientists worldwide have been clear that vaccination is critical now. It will prevent severe illness, which may lead to you ending up in ICU and dying. While we are leading in vaccinations amongst adults countrywide, we need many more people to vaccinate especially in high-risk groups. I, therefore, encourage our residents to take up this opportunity as soon as possible, especially if they are over 50 years old, or if they have comorbidities. We have hundreds of sites across the province, and it has never been quicker and easier to get vaccinated. Just walk in and you should be done within 30 minutes.”
Head of Health in the Western Cape, Dr Keith Cloete added: “We must also remember to protect our airspace by wearing a mask, especially when indoors, by ensuring good ventilation in our homes and workspaces, by avoiding crowded places and confined spaces, and by ensuring that we gather outdoors wherever possible.”
The Western Cape Government will continue to keep the public up to date with the latest developments so that they have the information they need to act. Premier Alan Winde concluded: “Throughout this pandemic, we have committed to being as transparent as possible so that residents know what is happening and what role they can play to help during this time. I personally want to appeal to every person in the Western Cape to go and get vaccinated as soon as possible. It’s never been more urgent than it is now.”
