As at 1pm on September 2021, the Western Cape had 32 152 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 495 849 COVID-19 cases to date and 445 292 recoveries.

Total number of COVID-19 cases to date

495 849

Total recoveries

445 292

Total deaths

18 405

Total active cases (currently infected patients)

32 152

Tests conducted

3 131 432

Hospitalisations (private and public combined)

3210 of which 631 are in high care or ICU

By 5pm on 31 August 2021, the Western Cape Government had administered a cumulative total of 2 046 973 vaccines to healthcare workers, staff in the education sector and those within eligible age brackets.

The current 7-day moving average is 82 deaths per day.

Additional data is available on the Western Cape COVID-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard(link is external)

You can also view the Western Cape Government’s vaccine registration dashboard by visiting: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine-dashboard(link is external)

Premier Winde calls for relaxation of restrictions as WC has likely exited 3rd wave peak.

According to our data, new cases, hospitalisations and deaths are now all showing consistent declines, pointing to the Western Cape having exited its third wave peak.

This trend is confirmed by the South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium, which now indicates a 99% probability that the Western Cape has already passed the peak of the third wave.

This third wave peak has been much longer than the second wave peak, resulting in a prolonged period of pressure on our health platform. While we are not completely out of this period of pressure, I do want to upfront thank and honour our healthcare workers who served with courage and determination during this time. It was not easy, but you have once again led from the front and saved the lives of many people in our province.

Now that we have exited our third wave peak, we must have a frank and honest look at whether we are currently getting the balance right in saving both lives and livelihoods in this province. Getting this balance right is the policy of this government because jobs save lives too.

The results of the most recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey paint a terrifying picture that should leave all South Africans deeply concerned. While the Western Cape continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the country, it remains unacceptably high for our standards and jobs are still being lost. This is a public emergency of the same magnitude as the pandemic and requires swift and agile action based on new data as it becomes available.

That is why given the clear evidence that we have exited our peak, and that we are now on a consistent decline, I will petition the President to move the Western Cape down a level to Alert Level 2 as soon as possible. This will enable the weekend sale of alcohol, a later curfew and an adjustment to the size of gatherings permitted.

This is essential for job creation in our province, especially in our hospitality and events sector as we approach our tourism season.

Source: Government of South Africa