Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the provincial cabinet is calling for the safe opening of all businesses because the province has managed to flatten the curve in coronavirus infections.
The province also wants an end to the alcohol ban to stop job losses in the sector. The Western Cape has 8 631 active coronavirus cases
Winde will engage the President’s Co-ordinating Council and the Ministers of Co-operative Governance and Health on his cabinet’s position.
“We have sufficient health capability to manage COVID-19 patients within the province, we have flattened the curve sufficiently that we would support the opening now of the economy – safely. Each and every one of those companies and businesses need to operate under a new normal but our capacity is now in place sufficiently to allow economic growth and job creation.”
With 7 292 new confirmed cases recorded on Friday, South Africa’s COVID-19 cumulative total number rises to 545 476.
The country records 305 COVID-19 related deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the national death toll to 9 909. The number of recoveries currently stands at 394 759 which translates to a recovery rate of 72%.
Winde appeals to business to ensure maximum safety
Winde has appealed to businesses to always act with the best interests of their clients and staff at heart and abide by the COVID-19 restrictions and regulations to ensure maximum safety.
The province also said clinical protocols are already being developed for the use of the drug, Dexamethasone, in its battle against the disease, following outcomes of a recovery trial in the United Kingdom, which shows a positive impact on severely ill patients and those on ventilators.
