Premier Alan Winde says the Western Cape has prepared its healthcare system for the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic, and must now move to Level 3 in conjunction with its targeted hotspot strategy.
This as the province on Tuesday recorded 18 new deaths, bringing the toll up to 183 due to Covid-19.
There are currently 6195 active cases, with 4363 recoveries.
The premier said the scientific reason for the lockdown has been to buy time and prepare the nation’s health systems for the peak, believed to come in September.
The Western Cape is the country’s epicentre for the Coronavirus and there’s been calls to put it back under lockdown Level 5.
But Winde says the economy needs to resume to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
“This is not a zero-sum game. We can care for sick people and save lives now, and we can do it in a way that saves lives in the future too,” he said.
He said the province has adopted a “targeted hotspot” strategy that goes beyond district level.
“Using epidemiological data, we can focus the entire impact of our government on geographical areas where the virus is spreading in order to slow it down and protect vulnerable people.
“This strategy, however, allows for more of the economy to open while doing so, thereby preventing a severe humanitarian crisis from unfolding at the same time.”
He said R725.5 million has been committed towards Covid-19 related expenditure, while the dedicated Coronavirus Provincial Hotline on average receives 500 calls a day.
In addition, the conversion of the CTICC into a temporary hospital facility will provide 850 additional beds.
It is estimated that 200 admissions and 200 discharges will be managed per day at health facilities during the peak, he added.