City urges caution amid third wave

14 June 2021

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has encouraged increased vigilance and adherence to hygiene protocols as the province enters the third wave of Covid-19 infections.

‘The Provincial Department of Health recently announced that the Western Cape, including the City of Cape Town Metro, is entering the Third Wave of Covid-19 infections. This follows a steady week on week increase in new cases, admissions and fatalities.

‘Over the past week, the Metro has experienced 2 320 new cases, which is 55% more than the previous week. We have also noted an increase in the number of persons testing positive for the virus. These trends are noted across all health sub districts in the Metro,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

With this rise in cases, it is especially important for residents to remain vigilant.

If you experience Covid-19 symptoms, please isolate immediately and get tested at your nearest testing facility. Should you test positive, isolate for 10 days and ensure everyone you have been in contact with quarantines for 10 days as well.

These actions are important to break the chain of infection.

‘To prevent getting infected, we still encourage the following key behaviours such as social distancing, washing your hands and wearing a mask. Your risk of infection is also much higher in enclosed spaces with lots of people, so we encourage residents to stay away from gatherings, especially indoors,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The City’s Health Department continues its preparation to ensure adequate resources to continue the delivery of routine services, as well as manage the increasing Covid-19 case load.

‘A silver lining at this time, is our preparation for the efficient delivery of vaccinations. There are currently 63 public health vaccination sites available across the Metro and we are making strides every week. Since the start of the vaccination campaign, 207 155 vaccinations have been administered in the Metro, that’s 4,5% of the population. We are currently in Phase 2 of the National Vaccination Campaign, which means that all persons over the age of 60 are currently eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

All residents over the age of 60 are encouraged to register for their Covid-19 vaccine.

‘The vaccine is the best method we have to protect our loved ones from getting sick, as well as stopping the pandemic. People over the age of 60 are at much greater risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19 so we really do encourage all those who are eligible, to register as soon as possible. Currently only 48,8% of the over 60 population in Cape Town has registered,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

Those who have not yet registered on electronic vaccine data system, are encouraged to do so using the following options:

USSD free service: dial *134*832#
OR send the word “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp
OR visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za

Please note: Vaccination sites are scheduling clients three to seven days in advance. This may mean that your SMS confirmation may take some time to be sent, as it is dependent on venue capacity and vaccine availability. As additional resources become available, the waiting time should decrease.

Please wait to receive your SMS notification rather than opting for a walk-in service. This will reduce queues and ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed.

‘We therefore ask all residents to look out for one another by stopping the spread of Covid-19 and assist those who may be unable to register. I am challenging every resident under 60 to assist one person over 60 to register,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

End
 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office