National state of disaster Western Cape 60 years and older herd immunity

Photo: @alanwinde / Twitter

Winde calls for investigation into club that led to 63 COVID-19 infections

Preliminary data indicates that of the 63 COVID-19 cases linked to the club, 37 are learners in matric in schools in the Southern Suburbs.

National state of disaster Western Cape 60 years and older herd immunity

Photo: @alanwinde / Twitter

Premier Alan Winde, on Tuesday 13, announced that the Western Cape Government would launch a probe into a club in Cape Town that recently led to a cluster of COVID-19 infections — 63 new infections to be specific. 

While the Western Cape has certainly passed its peak, Winde said citizens must not let their guard down, making an example of what took place at the Cape Town Club. 

On Tuesday, it was reported that a party at the Tin Roof nightclub in Claremont was identified as the source of a “super-spreader event” after a number of people gathered at the venue last weekend. Winde, however, did not make mention of the Club’s name in his statement.  

WINDE SHARES ‘CASE STUDY’ ABOUT CLUSTER INFECTIONS AT CAPE TOWN CLUB

Winde said thus far, there is one clear pattern in clusters that has been detected. 

“The people involved didn’t behave in a way that was needed to keep themselves and others safe, by either not wearing their masks properly or at all, or by attending large gatherings where distancing and ventilation is difficult or even impossible,” he said.  

“We would like to share such a case study with you to demonstrate the importance of our continued surveillance efforts, and more importantly, how the failure to follow the golden rules can have very serious consequences,” he added.   

Winde said teams are currently responding to a cluster of COVID-19 infections in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town affecting predominantly younger residents. 

“Our contact tracing teams have been able to identify 63 cases linked to a bar/club in the Southern Suburbs. We have been informed that the required regulations and the required safety behaviours were not adhered to in this case,” he said. 

“There are some other concerning allegations around this event, and we are now requesting a full investigation into this bar/club in question – including by SAPS and the Western Cape Liquor Authority,” he added. 

MORE THAN HALF ATTRIBUTED TO MATRICS

Preliminary data indicates that of the 63 COVID-19 cases detected to date, 37 are learners in matric who attend various schools in the Southern Suburbs, most of them private. 

“Our teams have contacted all of the schools and are ensuring that the necessary protocols are being followed,” he said. 

“This event is not an indication that our province is experiencing a ‘second wave’. It is one cluster that demonstrates the potential for spread that continues even while our hospitalisations and deaths stabilize,” he added.  

Winde said he is still, however, extremely worried that this particular event is indicative of younger residents not adhering to the important behaviours we need to prevent a new spike of infections. 

“It is also indicative of some establishments not following the important health and safety guidelines, as well as the legal regulations which have been put in place, to stop the spread. 

It is critical that we all, regardless of our age, play a role in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. All private establishments must adhere to the law,” he said.