The head of the Western Cape health department says even though the COVID-19 curve in the province is flattening, the health system is preparing to deal with the virus for the next 12 to 18 months.He was speaking at the Mitchells Plain district hospital in Cape Town, where a new permanent ward for COVID-19 patients has been opened. The ward was upgraded by the Gift of the Givers, to help lighten the load on the hospital.