The Cape Winelands area is currently experiencing an increase in Covid-19 cases, which could be indicative of a coming third wave.
This was according to data from the South African Covid-19 Modeling Consortium (SACMC) on 6 May. According to the Western Cape government Covid-19 dashboard, the Stellenbosch subdistrict had 119 active Covid cases on 12 May.
The behaviour of individuals has a significant impact on the number of Covid-19 cases. People may become tired of social distancing and using masks, and this allows the virus to spread more easily, according to Mary-Ann Davies, public health medicine specialist for the Western Cape Government. PHOTO: Lara van Zyl
Despite the number of cases per day in the Stellenbosch subdistrict remaining lower than during the second wave, the local government aims to proceed with caution while continuing to monitor the number of Covid-19 cases closely, according to Mary-Ann Davies, a public health medicine specialist for the Western Cape government. At one stage in January, the Stellenbosch subdistrict saw an increase of 290 cases reported in one day, according to the Covid-19 dashboard. On 10 May, it saw an increase of 29 cases for the day.
Davies explained that the Western Cape government monitors increases in the proportion of people who test positive for Covid-19 among all tests administered, on a week-to-week basis. “This has been <5% for the last few weeks, but we have seen an increase to above 5% in the last week, which is concerning,” said Davies in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
A sign in the University of the Western Cape Health and Wellness Centre, thanking students and medical workers for the sacrifices they have made to manage the spread of Covid-19. PHOTO: Lara van Zyl
Stellenbosch has not seen a major rise in cases yet, according to Caryn Ross, the spokesperson for Mediclinic Stellenbosch. “Mediclinic Stellenbosch is currently not experiencing any noticeable increase in the number of patients requiring care for Covid-19, as our numbers continue to remain relatively low,” said Ross.
An effective vaccination rollout could reduce the spread of Covid-19, as well as the number of people who have a severe response to the virus and need to be admitted to hospital, according to Davies.
“If the vaccination rollout and uptake is sufficient before a third wave, it can drastically decrease the wave,” said Davies. “We are currently completing vaccination of healthcare workers and will start with the next phase of the vaccine rollout for everyone 60 years and older on 17 May,” she added.
Maintaining Covid-safe behaviour at Stellenbosch University
Since the start of the academic year in March, 53 Stellenbosch University (SU) students are known to have tested positive for Covid-19, according to Campus Health Services.
SU urges all students, lecturers and visitors to comply with the appropriate protocols and behaviour in order to prevent the spread of the virus, according to Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU.
Sanitation was made available at a Student Representative Council (SRC) meeting on 16 March. All students were told to social distance and keep their masks on during the meeting. PHOTO: Lara van Zyl.
“Contingency plans are in place for a possible third wave and will be based on the specific levels that would be announced [by the South African government],” said Viljoen.
Viljoen added that SU can revert back to a fully online teaching model if necessary. This would involve switching from augmented remote teaching, learning and assessment (ARTLA) to emergency remote teaching, learning and assessment (ERTLA), according to Viljoen.