POLITICS

1 382 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 in WCape – Alan Winde

Premier says 385 people have now been vaccinated in province

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus and vaccine rollout by Premier Alan Winde

19 February 2021

As of 1pm on 19 February, the Western Cape has 4759 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 273 354 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 257 587 recoveries. A total of 385 vaccines had been administered by 5pm on 18 February.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases

273 354

Total recoveries

257 587

Vaccines administered 

385

Total deaths

11 008

Total active cases (currently infected patients)

4759

Tests conducted

1303425

Hospitalisations

1382 with 304 in ICU or high care

The Western Cape has recorded 26 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to11 008. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

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. Access the data dashboard here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

Vaccinations update:

By 5pm yesterday, 385 people had been vaccinated in the Western Cape. Vaccination will also continue over the weekend as we work to deliver the 13000 Johnson and Johnson single dose vaccines to healthcare workers in the Western Cape, as part of the implementation study.

This past week, we saw history unfold as Sister Zoliswa Gidi-Dyosi, from the Khayelitsha hospital, became the first healthcare worker in the country to be vaccinated. I am also extremely proud that it was a Western Cape healthcare worker, Sister Milanie Bennett who vaccinated President Cyril Ramaphosa this week.

I have been so heartened to see photos of healthcare workers being vaccinated this week, and to hear early reports that they are feeling well and are back at work. 

I would like to thank our frontline workers for the incredible job they have done over the past year under very difficult circumstances. Throughout the hardest parts of this pandemic, they have been symbols of comfort and care. Now, as we launch this historical rollout, and many are stepping up as vaccinators and to be vaccinated, they are symbols of hope.

As we continue the work to roll out this batch of vaccines and others, it remains vitally important for all of us to continue to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves, and others by wearing our masks, washing our hands and by avoiding close contact, confined spaces and crowds.

Issued by Western Cape Office of the Premier, 19 February 2021