Cape Town worst hit as Covid-19 cases near 500 in Western Cape

07 April 2020 - 16:37
By staff reporter
Premier Alan Winde chairs a remote meeting of the Western Cape cabinet on Monday.
Image: Twitter/Alan Winde Premier Alan Winde chairs a remote meeting of the Western Cape cabinet on Monday.

The Western Cape had recorded 490 Covid-19 infections by Tuesday — 15 higher than  Monday's total.

Premier Alan Winde said 28 patients were in hospital and 10 in intensive care.

More than three-quarters of the cases are in Cape Town, where the worst-affected areas are the western and southern suburbs.

“On Monday, a 57-year-old man became the third Western Cape Covid-19 related death. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones,” said Winde.

Community screening was conducted on Tuesday in Philippi, Bishop Lavis, Valhalla Park, Netreg, Kraaifontein, Scottsdene and the Bo-Kaap.

“We thank all of those who welcomed the community health-care workers and enabled them to fulfil their important role in stemming the spread of coronavirus by being screened and, where necessary, tested,” said Winde.

On Wednesday, screening will be done in Elsies River, Ruyterwacht, Bothasig, Durbanville, Klipheuwel, Fisantekraal and the Bo-Kaap.

“New areas and subdistricts will be announced regularly,” added the premier.