Update on the coronavirus and vaccines by Premier Alan Winde

29 June 2021

As at 1pm on 29 June 2021, the Western Cape had 17 608 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number of 321 423 COVID-19 cases to date and 291 488 recoveries. 

By 5pm on 28 June 2021, the Western Cape Government had administered:

The Western Cape’s dashboard has recorded 32 additional deaths since it last updated on Monday, 28 June, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 12 327. It should be noted that the total number is inclusive of deaths in the last week which have recently been updated. We send our condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed.

Additional data is available on the Western Cape COVID-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

You can also view the Western Cape Government’s vaccine registration dashboard by visiting: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine-dashboard

Premier Winde concerned by increase in infections & calls on residents to play their part in saving lives

I remain concerned about the growth of COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape – and I call on each and every resident to help us flatten the curve and save lives.

Our health platform shows us that:

• We are now seeing an average of 1430 new cases diagnosed each day.
• Test positivity has also increased on average to 25% and exceeded 30% in the private sector last week.
• Admissions to hospitals are increasing in both the public and private sectors, and we are seeing an average of 135 new admissions each day.
• Deaths are also increasing, and we are now seeing 25 deaths each day.

You can help protect our healthcare system and save lives by:

• Avoiding gatherings and large crowds;
• Wearing your mask correctly;
• Sanitsing and washing your hands;
• If leaving home, keeping it short and outside – with good ventilation; and
• Staying home if you are sick. If you have difficulty breathing, please seek medical care.

The Western Cape Government is fighting to protect lives & livelihoods

The Western Cape Government is focused on saving both lives and livelihoods, and we remain concerned about the impact of Alert Level 4 restrictions on especially small businesses in our province.

That is why the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, has written to the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, to request that he re-open the UIF Covid-19 TERS scheme for the duration of the Alert Level 4 restrictions to assist businesses and employees who are not able to operate.

The UIF TERS funds could be the difference between businesses being able to stay open or going under.

Additionally, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, has written to the National Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, to request her assistance to address specific challenges of the Level-4 Covid-19 restrictions, and its impact on the wine industry.

The regulation prohibits the transportation of liquor, except when destined for specific purposes including the export or the production of hand sanitisers. 

We are however calling for other areas to be allowed on the transport of wine and  have urgently requested that the regulations be amended to allow for:

1. The transport of wine samples, the transport of wine by tourists, and the transport of wine to bottling plants and storage.
2. Allow wine and liquor to be sold online and delivered to consumers' residences via transport and courier services.

The Western Cape Government will continue to fight to save both lives and livelihoods, but we call on you to play your part, be safe and help our small businesses where you can. 

Statement issued by the Office of the Western Cape Premier, 29 June 2021