Russia Western Cape ALan Winde

MITCHELL’S PLAIN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 31: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde wait in the queue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Mitchell’s Palin CHC on July 31, 2021 in Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa. It is reported that the site was chosen due to vaccine hesitancy in the area. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)

Winde calls for Level 2 lockdown as Western Cape EXITS third wave peak

A call for Level 2 lockdown in the Western Cape has been made official on Wednesday. Winde says it’s time to focus on livelihoods now that the province has exited its third wave peak.

Russia Western Cape ALan Winde

MITCHELL’S PLAIN, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 31: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde wait in the queue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Mitchell’s Palin CHC on July 31, 2021 in Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa. It is reported that the site was chosen due to vaccine hesitancy in the area. (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)

The Western Cape is officially past its third wave peak, Premier Alan Winde announced on Wednesday 1 September. As a new season of Spring kicks off, he is also hoping for a new alert level – as in, a swift downgrade from Level 3 lockdown to Level 2. 

Winde believes that passing the peak means we should focus on the dreaded unemployment crisis and boost livelihoods, not only lives. 

WESTERN CAPE PAST ITS THIRD WAVE PEAK 

Winde, in a statement, said that according to their data, new COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths are now 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,” he said. 

“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,” he added. 

“I would also like to thank our Health Department for their careful planning over this time. Although under pressure at the peak, we continued to cope – even when we were moved to a lower level of restrictions,” he said. 

WINDE CALLS FOR A MOVE TO LEVEL 2 LOCKDOWN  

Winde said now that the Western Cape has exited its third wave peak, it’s time to have a frank and honest look at whether government is getting the balance right in saving both lives and livelihoods.  

“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,” he said.  

Winde said given the evidence and the consistent decline, he will petition President Cyril Ramaphosa to move the Western Cape down to Level 2 lockdown 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,” he added.