The Western Cape health department has expressed concerned over the strain caused by trauma cases due to interpersonal violence on health services.
During the weekly digital news conference, Head of health Dr Keith Cloete said that trauma cases and interpersonal violence are still the leading hospital bed fillers in the province.
“Even with just 5% of the beds currently taken up with Covid-19 patients, the hospitals are full.”
“Over the last four weeks, between April 27 and May 25, we have seen a total of 8 038 trauma cases at 17 of our emergency centres with about 40% of these occurring on a Saturday and a Sunday,” Cloete said.
Adding that nearly half of these trauma cases are due to interpersonal violence.
At this point the provincial government is trying to avoid recommending further restrictions such as alcohol bans and curfews as the third wave of Covid-19 infections nears.
Premier Alan Winde said the current restrictions would be sufficient.
More: Cape Argus