Garden Route Health Platform Update 11 December

The Garden Route recorded a slight increase of 17% in new COVID-19 cases over the last seven days compared to the previous seven days.

New cases per subdistrict in the Garden Route

Area	Active cases 14 days ago	New active cases over last 7 days	Percentage increase
Bitou	295	304	3% Arrow
George	1 103	1 242	13% Arrow
Hessequa	50	74	48% Arrow
Kannaland	18	55	206% Arrow
Knysna	506	568	12% Arrow
Mossel Bay	508	641	26% Arrow
Oudtshoorn	187	228	22% Arrow
Garden Route	2 667	3 112	17% Arrow

We have also recorded 92 new deaths over this period, representing a 48% increase in new deaths when compared to the previous week.

George Regional Hospital is still under severe pressure, as patients from district hospitals are admitted here for more advanced health interventions. George Hospital currently has 71 COVID patients admitted of which 21 are in high care. They also have 49 staff members who are currently infected with COVID. 

Knysna and Oudtshoorn hospitals are also under pressure.

On 11 December Knysna Hospital had 34 patients admitted. The hospital received a new bulk oxygen tank to keep up with the demand for COVID-19 patients on oxygen. The daily use of oxygen has more than doubled during the resurgence. “We must all do our part in limiting exposure to the virus. Please adhere to the rules, wear your mask, limit exposure through limited interaction with others,” said Dr Andries Brink, medical manager of Knysna/Bitou subdistricts.

Oudtshoorn hospital had 28 patients admitted on 11 December. The hospital has noted a sudden big increase in hospitalisations the last few days.

Harry Comay Hospital has converted two wards into COVID wards with an additional building, which was built during wave 1, which can take 20 patients. The hospital currently has 28 patients.

Areas of most concern:

Mossel Bay: Kwanonqaba, Hartenbos, D Almeida and Heiderand

George: Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, George, Conville, Rosemore, Borcherds, Blanco

Knysna: Knysna, Smutsville, Concordia and Khayaletu

Oudtshoorn: Oudtshoorn and Bridgetown

Bitou: Plettenberg bay

Hessequa: Riversdale and Albertinia

We urge residents to be safe this festive season. Avoid crowded places, close contact settings and areas with poor ventilation.