The Western Cape Department of Social Development says they continue to see a steady increase in Covid-19 recoveries in old age homes, and a decline in the number of new infections.

The Department says it continues to monitor the infection rates at homes, while also working to ensure that the dignity and rights of older persons are upheld.

MEC Sharna Fernandez has thank all the older persons who are currently residing at these facilities and their families for the role that they have played in our fight to prevent the further spread of the virus.

“I am cognisant of the challenges this pandemic has posed for all those people who live and work at old age homes. One particular challenge is that many older persons have not been able to visit or have family members visit them for months. We are currently in consultation with National Department of Social Development, to explore ways that this can be changed, whilst ensuring that a second wave of the virus does not occur within these facilities.”

In the Western Cape, there is a total of 300 old age homes of which, 117 are funded by the provincial Department of Social Development.  As of the 31 August 2020, a total 1430 older persons recovered from Covid-19, while 100 older persons were reported to still be infected by the virus. This shows an increase of 72 recoveries and a decrease of 8 infections when compared to last week.

Ons story of recovery is 102-year-old, Dinah Fourie. Ma Fourie, the oldest resident who currently resides at the Kensington Old Age Home has fully recovered from Covid-19 after initially testing positive.