Western Cape Premier Alan Winde announced that as of 25 May, the are 14 978 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the province, 7 439 of which are currently active.
This is an increase of 1 108 cases from the previous day. There have been 318 deaths due to the virus in the province and 554 hospitalisations, 139 of which are in ICU or high care.
The Western Cape has recorded an additional 18 Covid-19 deaths – bringing the total number of deaths from the virus in the province to 318. “We extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this time,” Winde said.
Testing backlogs:
Winde said that a total of 124 079 tests have been completed in the Western Cape – representing a 400 per cent increase in the number of tests conducted in the province since 25 April. “This increase in testing in the Western Cape and in other provinces has resulted in a considerable backlog in the processing of these tests and in the release of their results by the National Health Laboratory Services.”
The National Health Laboratory Service is a national entity, and the Western Cape has previously written to both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize regarding the backlogs which are creating considerable delays in people receiving their test results.
The backlog in the Western Cape has now grown to approximately 18 000 tests.
Move to Level 3:
Winde said, “Today marks one week until the entire country will move to Alert Level 3. This will be done in conjunction with our targeted hotspot plan. We welcome this move which will allow many more people to be able to put food on the table. We are facing a very serious humanitarian crisis, which must be averted if we are to save lives in the future too.”
He highlighted that it must be clear that this does not mean that life can go back to normal and residents will need to work to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“For those businesses that will be re-opening, it is up to you to ensure the safety of your staff and of your customers. Use the next week to prepare your plans and ensure that everything is in place so that there is social distancing in place at all times, hygiene measures and cleaning routines are in place and risks are removed.”
Winde said that the Western Cape government is working around the clock to make sure that all healthcare responses are in place and that the hotspot plan is being efficiently and effectively executed. “But we cannot fight this Covid-19 pandemic alone. We need everyone to help us by taking responsibility for themselves, and for their loved ones so that we can protect the vulnerable from infection.”
Donations for healthcare workers:
Winde said that he, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais, and Western Cape Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo received a donation of over 2 700 pairs of shoes and warm tops from Adidas, which will be distributed to healthcare workers in Cape Town, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
“Healthcare workers are at the front line of our response to Covid-19 and comfortable shoes are important as they spend long hours on their feet. With winter weather starting to descend on the Western Cape, warm tops for our health workers working early morning or late night shifts will be most welcome. We extend our gratitude to Adidas for their generous donation.
“I would also like to thank all of those individuals, businesses and organisations who have stepped up to help us in the response to this pandemic. Whether it is through donations for our healthcare workers, providing meals for the hungry or volunteering time to make a difference at a time when many are experiencing difficulty, your assistance and your kindness are deeply valued.”
The number of cases per area is as follows:
Sub-districts Cape Town metro:
| Sub-district | Cases | Recoveries |
| Western | 1 581 | 833 |
| Southern | 1 771 | 615 |
| Northern | 934 | 479 |
| Tygerberg | 2 311 | 1 293 |
| Eastern | 1 314 | 725 |
| Klipfontein | 1 858 | 822 |
| Mitchells Plain | 1 478 | 727 |
| Khayelitsha | 1 940 | 1 147 |
| Total | 1 3187 | 6 641 |
Sub-districts non-metro:
| District | Sub-district | Cases | Recoveries |
| Garden Route | Bitou | 14 | 6 |
| Garden Route | Knysna | 45 | 17 |
| Garden Route | George | 55 | 20 |
| Garden Route | Hessequa | 12 | 9 |
| Garden Route | Kannaland | 1 | 1 |
| Garden Route | Mossel Bay | 31 | 20 |
| Garden Route | Oudtshoorn | 10 | 3 |
| Cape Winelands | Stellenbosch | 111 | 45 |
| Cape Winelands | Drakenstein | 312 | 93 |
| Cape Winelands | Breede Valley | 124 | 39 |
| Cape Winelands | Langeberg | 12 | 3 |
| Cape Winelands | Witzenberg | 224 | 185 |
| Overberg | Overstrand | 33 | 20 |
| Overberg | Cape Agulhas | 5 | 2 |
| Overberg | Swellendam | 10 | 7 |
| Overberg | Theewaterskloof | 40 | 9 |
| West Coast | Bergrivier | 20 | 8 |
| West Coast | Cederberg | 3 | 0 |
| West Coast | Matzikama | 2 | 0 |
| West Coast | Saldanha Bay Municipality | 40 | 5 |
| West Coast | Swartland | 47 | 19 |
| Central Karoo | Beaufort West | 2 | 0 |
There were 638 unallocated cases, 69 of which are recovered.
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