Cape Town urges adherence to Covid-19 protocols as infections rise

As of June 18, the city has recorded 191,624 cases since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 3,724 cases reported in the last week, a 68% increase.

CAPE TOWN, June 22 (ANA) – The Cape Town city council is urging all residents to adhere to Covid-19 protocols as cases spike in a third wave of the pandemic.

Currently there are 7,627 active cases of Covid-19, with 698 cases recorded in the last 24 hours, the city’s health department said in a statement on Tuesday.

As of June 18, the city has recorded 191,624 cases since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with 3,724 cases reported in the last week, a 68% increase.

Cape Town has seen a sharp increase in infections in the eastern and southern health districts, mayoral committee member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said, urging residents to respect non-pharmaceutical protocols.

“Wearing a mask not only protects yourself, but also your loved ones and fellow citizens, as well as those who share public spaces and public transport,” he said.

“We have seen a steep increase during the past week and we should all adjust our behaviour accordingly.”

Badroodien said while the Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain areas had not recorded any significant increases, a notable uptick in Covid-19 testing at public primary healthcare facilities might change this picture.

Some 250,726 vaccinations against the virus had been conducted in the metropole, he said.

Badroodien said it was unfortunate that the third wave coincided with school holidays and wet, cold weather, noting that the risk of infections increased in closed spaces with little ventilation.

He encouraged parents and families to avoid indoor gatherings during the school holidays and try and do as many outdoor activities as possible.

“If one needs to be indoors due to bad weather, try to keep as much air flowing through the room by opening windows (and dressing warmly!). Keep gatherings small, with your immediate family rather than with bigger extended families or large groups of friends,” the Cape Town councillor urged.

– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa