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Covid-19

6 October 2021 Media Release: Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season

6 October 2021

Media release: Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season

Those who have not yet received their vaccine should do so now. If you want to be fully vaccinated by 1 December, the start of the festive season, you will need to:

  • Receive your first dose of Pfizer by no later than 20 October 2021.
  • Receive your second dose 42 days after. This means that you will have received your second dose by 1 December 2021 latest.

It takes approximately two weeks from full vaccination (after your second jab) for you to develop maximum immune protection. This means if you get your second jab on 1 December, you will have the best possible protection from around 14 December – just around the time that many people have planned to start their festive season plans.

Western Cape Government Health has set December as the target to ensure that residents have a summer that they can look forward to and aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.

The recently held Vooma vaccination weekend drive saw 59 429 vaccines administered in the Western Cape of which 1104 were administered in the Garden Route.

“Although the turn-out was much less than anticipated, we commend every person who came for their vaccination, despite rainy and very cold weather. We want to encourage our communities to take up the offer of vaccination as it has been demonstrated to offer significant protection against severe COVID related disease and death”, said Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo).

“We all want to enjoy the festive season which is why I have also launched the jabs b4jol campaign to encourage especially young people to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and very effective. We are seeing a lot fewer hospitalisations and deaths in people who get vaccinated. While some people have minor reactions after getting vaccinated like headaches or fever, these are often easily managed at home, and the benefit of getting vaccinated is much greater than being unvaccinated and getting COVID-19. Please use any one of our vaccine sites. Many who are 18 years and older, who received their jabs from 20 August, are now eligible for their second shot. Please do not hesitate, fully vaccinate”, said Minister of Health, Dr Mbombo.

Caption: Walk-about at Harry Comay Hospital’s Vooma vaccination site from left front: Mr Jewel Jonkers (Director Education Garden Route), Mr Memory Booysen (Garden Route mayor), Sr Linda Geweld (Nursing Manager Harry Comay Hospital),  Back: Dr Terence Marshall (Health), Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo District), Mr Leon van Wyk (George mayor), Dr Zilla North (medical manager George subdistrict)

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Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

27 September 2021 Media Release: Vaccination Weekend Garden Route

Media Release: Vaccination Weekend Garden Route

27 September 2021

The Vooma Vaccination Weekend is on our doorstep, taking place from 1 to 3 October nationally.  The aim of this vaccination drive is to vaccinate 70% of adults by the end of the year – that’s 17 million more people. If we achieve that, projections are that we will save at least 20 000 lives.

The Garden Route has administered 256 879 vaccines to date.  The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 41% . If you are 18 or older, don’t wait any longer! Go and get vaccinated at a site near you. The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are a South African or from another country.

VOOMA Weekend Sites: 

COVID cases

The district is still showing a decrease in the total number of new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. George Regional Hospital is also experiencing decreased pressure in wards as well as the critical care unit. Today there are 26 COVID patients in the COVID ward and 10 patients in the critical care unit. Harry Comay Hospital, a step-down facility for George Hospital has 7 COVID-19 patients. All district hospitals have decreased pressure except for Oudtshoorn Hospital, which although less busy, still has a high number of COVID inpatients.

Phumla Priscilla Mantwana (62) is a take-away and accommodation owner in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay and has been vaccinated.

“I live with my two son’s and rent out two spare rooms for temporary rentals and also sell fast food take-aways to my community. I took the vaccine because I believe in safety first for my kids and my customers. My businesses are my daily bread. I have to be up every day receiving and talking to people. I don’t want to die and leave my kids without nothing to depend on”, she said.

The Garden Route currently has one quarantine and isolation site, PetroSA. Gateway Lodge in George has been decommissioned.

COVID stats as of 27 September 2021.

Caption: Phumla Mantwana opted to get the vaccine for financial security.

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Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

13 September 2021 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Memory Booysen welcomes easing of restrictions

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Memory Booysen welcomes easing of restrictions

For Immediate Release
13 September 2021

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa to move the country to Alert Level 2. This will further allow the Garden Route economy to open.

“We know that for our region to bounce back from the pandemic and thrive, Garden Routers need to use the best method to fight COVID-19, and that’s vaccines,” said Ald. Memory Booysen. The vaccine roll-out and large-scale vaccinations remain essential as it is evident in the statistics that those who have been vaccinated stand a great chance of surviving the dreaded COVID-19 virus.

“I continue to encourage everyone who is 18 years and older to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. I, like other Mayors in the region, have already received both my Phizer jabs,” said Booysen.

There are currently nearly 50 vaccination sites throughout the Garden Route, forming part of the country’s approximately 300 vaccination sites. To date, South Africa has administered approximately 14 670 161 doses of vaccines. According to the Western Cape Health Department, 157 558 Garden Routers received their first dose and 68 025 received their second dose of Pfizer.

GRDM urges all members of the public to adhere to the regulations under Alert level 2:

  • A curfew between 23:00 and 04:00;
  • The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will be expanded to between 10:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday;
  • Non-essential establishments such as restaurants, bars and gyms may now close at 22:00 to allow patrons and employees to travel home before curfew;
  • Gatherings increased to 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors or 50% of capacity in a smaller venue;
  • Alcohol sales on-site resume as per license conditions;
  • Public spaces such as beaches will remain open;
  • Wearing a mask in public spaces remains compulsory under national lockdown regulations.

ENDS

10 September 2021 Media Release: GRDM continues extensive Covid-19 Vaccination awareness

GRDM continues extensive Covid-19 Vaccination awareness

For Immediate Release
10 September 2021

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Employee Assistant Programme (EAP) unit approached Dr Zilla North from the Western Cape Department of Health to conduct ‘Questions and Answers’ sessions with GRDM employees. These weekly virtual or contact sessions are held to address any concerns raised by employees regarding the Covid-19 vaccines.

So far, three (3) sessions took place; the first session took place on 13 August 2021 at the Conville clinic, where approximately thirty-one (31) Roads employees were in attendance. On 20 August, nearly fifty (50) participants logged into the virtual session; and on 27 August again, approximately fifty (50) employees participated.

The EAP unit furthermore facilitates the employee vaccination activities of the municipality. Apart from the question and answer sessions with Dr North, the Unit also sent out weekly vaccination information to the employees and they created “Toolbox” talks with staff members employed at the various depots, in collaboration with the Occupational Health and Safety Unit. The team distributed vaccination posters at all satellite offices of the municipality and organised a vaccination site for its employees at the AFM Church situated in Pacaltsdorp. Additionally, a vaccination webinar with Dr Nellis van Zyl-Smit was scheduled on 8 September 2021 to continue creating awareness and educating the employees about the importance of taking the Covid-19 Vaccine.

HR Practitioner: Employee Assistance Programme, Shandre Abrahams said: “The GRDM (EAP unit) is dedicated to continuously keeping and educating its employees about safety precautions to prevent getting infected by the virus and the spread thereof”. Abrahams added: “Employees get screened, and their hands get sanitised on their arrival at the office every morning. Sanitising stations are also placed at every corner within the various buildings for their easy access and they are continuously advised to wear their face masks at all times.

The Communication Unit conducted interviews with some of the staff members to determine their take on the vaccine. Ms Nontokozo Dladla responded by saying, “I have always been pro-vaccination, but I haven’t gone for my jab yet, as I recently contracted Covid-19 and must wait for 30 days till I can get it. As for encouraging other people, getting vaccinated is a sensitive subject – not everyone is for it. At this moment, I keep my opinion to myself. I do not want it to seem like I am imposing my opinion on other people”. Mr Johannes Jafta responded: “After being vaccinated, I would encourage anyone else to go and get their jab. We need to be responsible communities and to act responsibly. Taking the jab is for their own safety, and it is the right thing to do”.

Employees are encouraged to contact the EAP officer, Ms Shandre Abrahams, for more information about the programme at 044 801 1307/082 428 1984.

ENDS

1 September 2021 Media Release: GRDM appoints unemployed youth to relieve healthcare professionals at vaccination sites

Media Release: GRDM appoints unemployed youth to relieve healthcare professionals at vaccination sites

For Immediate Release
1 September 2021

Since the COVID-19 Vaccination Program was launched, more than 60 000 Garden Routers have already been vaccinated. These include Health Care Workers, residents and staff at Old Age Homes educators, and public members at various community vaccination sites.

However, being a double dose, the Pfizer vaccine adds an extra administrative challenge at vaccination sites, as people have to go through the administrative process twice. Currently, the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) registration portal is open for persons older than 18 years, and the influx of people at the identified sites is causing extra pressure on healthcare professionals.

The President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, stated in his presidential address on 11 July 2021, that the quantities of imported and locally produced vaccines will double and even triple soon.

More vaccines will result in more vaccination sites and a need for additional administrative personnel. For this reason and due to a request received from the Provincial Department of Health, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently appointed unemployed youth to assist nurses at the vaccination sites. The project is an initiative of the Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, and is managed by the GRDM Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Administrative Assistants appointed at the various sites within the Garden Route district, to relieve healthcare professionals with their administrative duties.

These administrative assistants are placed at the following sites: Alma CDC, Mossel Bay Town Hall, D’Almeida Hall, Wolwedans Community Hall, Groot Brak, Knysna CDC, Knysna Town Hall, Knysna Town Hall, Plett Town Clinic, Kwanokuthula CDC, Thembalethu CDC, Pacaltsdorp Clinic, George Hospital, George Central Clinic, Harry Comay Hospital, Riversdale Civic Centrum, Riversdale Civic Centrum, Still Bay Civic Centre, Toekomsrust Community Hall and Toekomsrust Community Hall. They effectively started with their duties on 1 August 2021. and focus on the administrative responsibilities to relieve nurses to focus primarily on their core function.

According to Richard Dyantyi, EPWP Manager at GRDM, the team was appointed to serve a period of six months until the end of January 2021. He said: “We are reviewing the impact of the project monthly to determine the effectiveness of this intervention. Adding to this he said: “Based on the impact of the intervention, we will consider the expansion of the initiative to other areas as advised by the Provincial Department of Health”. The initiative was influenced by the high unemployment rate of 34, 4% as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, all administrative assistants were unemployed, reside in the Garden Route district, have matric, and have basic computer literacy skills – the ideal characteristics of administrators needed to implement this programme”.

“While relieving our healthcare professionals with their workload, we simultaneously create employment for our youth, who did not have the basic means of income,” Mayor Booysen said. “This is what we as a District Municipality aims to do, is to put bread on the table for our vulnerable – to maintain our vision by ensuring inclusiveness of all the people we serve,” he concluded.

Lonwabo Luthango from the GRDM Disaster Management Centre is appointed to act as project manager of this initiative and to oversee the administration of the appointments.

Feature Image: Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen (middle), with Charlene Magdalene Barnardo (left) and Lyzette Elzane Stroebel (right) at the Knysna Town Hall vaccination site.

ENDS

1 September 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 31 August 2021

Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 31 August 2021

For Immediate Release
1 September 2021

There has been a welcome decrease in cases the last 7 days to compared to 7 – 14 days ago. All sub-districts had decreases except for Bitou which essentially stayed the same.  There are now 756 active cases per 100 000.  (One week ago it was 823.)  “We are optimistic that we are in a downward trend. Our staff have been hard at work balancing COVID-19 cases, routine services and also the roll-out of the vaccination programme. They are emotionally and physically tired, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees, those on the frontline and those working behind the scenes”, said District Director Mr Zee Brickles.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital remains under pressure.  On 31 August there were 54 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, of whom 16 are in critical care.

Harry Comay Hospital, used as step-down facility for George Hospital, is less busy.  There are 16 patients in the two wards.

Oudtshoorn Hospital is currently experiencing pressures due to COVID-19 admissions. The hospital currently has 28 patients.

Vaccination programme

The Western Cape has administered 2 million vaccines as of 30  August 2021with the Garden Route almost breaching the 200 000 mark at 191 229 vaccines to date.  Roving vaccination teams are still visiting as many communities in far lying areas as possible, as well as farm workers, big factories and tertiary education centres.

Twenty-eight farmworkers from Patrysfontein in Mossel Bay sub-district received their vaccination during an outreach.

The district’s first weekend vaccination site is Knysna Town Hall on Saturday 4 September from 09:00 to 14:00.  More sites are planned to come onboard in the near future.

Communities are currently rife with misinformation regarding the vaccine which makes it difficult for people to make an informed decision. For credible information visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/.

We encourage everyone 18 years and older to take up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccination is safe and based on existing, thoroughly tested and effective technology. Getting vaccinated is our best weapon against COVID-19.

 COVID-19 stats as of 30 August 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 800 298 3 383 119
George 22 809 1 383 20 656 770
Hessequa 4 507 597 3 731 179
Kannaland 1 605 178 1 362 65
Knysna 7 532 502 6 804 226
Mossel Bay 14 481 1 081 12 994 406
Oudtshoorn 7 122 719 5 996 407
Sub-total 61 856 4 758 54 926 2 172

 

Feature image caption: Vaccination Teams in Kannaland held an outreach to Nissanville.

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Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

23 August 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 23 August 2021

Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 23 August 2021

For Immediate Release
23 August 2021

In contrast to last week, the Garden Route District had a 34 % increase in new COVID-19 cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago. All sub-districts showed an increase with some increases being quite significant.

The total number of positive patients for the district on 23 Aug is 59 678.  (One week ago it was 56 618.)  The district has 823 positive cases per 100 000 population, once again the highest rate per 100 000 people in the Province.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital remains under pressure.  Today there are 62 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, of whom 21 are in critical care. The COVID-19 ward is thus over 100% full and the Critical Care Unit is 87% full.

Harry Comay Hospital, used as step-down facility for George Hospital, is less busy.  There are 13 patients in the two wards.

All district hospitals are busy, especially Oudtshoorn Hospital.  The supply of oxygen to hospitals is sufficient.

Vaccination programme

The Garden Route has administered 163 042 vaccines to date.  We welcome the additional age group of 18 years and older and have seen great enthusiasm in some sub-districts. We invite everyone above the age of 18 to get their vaccination. We are in the process of identifying weekend sites which will be communicated to the public.

Vaccination sites for week 23 – 27 August 2021.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 23 – 27  August
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 23 – 27
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 23 – 27
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 23, 26, 27
Knysna sub-district Karatara Satellite Clinic 23
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 23, 27
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek Clinic 26
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic 23 – 27
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 24
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 23 – 27
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 23 – 27
George sub-district George Central Clinic 23 – 27
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 23 – 27
George sub-district Mobile Outreach 23 – 27
George sub-district Touwsranten Satellite Clinic 27
George sub-district Haarlem Satellite Clinic 27
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 23 – 27
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 23 – 27
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 24, 25, 27
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 23, 26, 27
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 25
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 23, 24, 26, 27
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 23, 27
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 25
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 25
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 23, 24
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 25
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 26
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 24 – 27
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 24 – 27
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 24 – 27
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 24 – 27
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 23 – 27
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 24
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 26
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 23 – 27

COVID-19 stats as of 23 August 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 662 245 3 300 117
George 22 195 1 535 19 910 750
Hessequa 4 216 659 3 386 171
Kannaland 1 507 145 1 298 64
Knysna 7 318 531 6 569 218
Mossel Bay 13 979 1 164 12 419 396
Oudtshoorn 6 801 818 5 589 394
Sub-total 59 678 5 097 52 471 2 110

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Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

17 August 2021 Media Release:  New Quarantine and Isolation facility to relieve pressure in the Garden Route

Media Release:  New Quarantine and Isolation facility to relieve pressure in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
17 August 2021

On Wednesday, 4 August 2021, a new Quarantine & Isolation facility has been open at the Gateway Lodge, 6km outside of George.

The Gateway Lodge site and PetroSA sites are the designated quarantine and isolations facilities in the Garden Route district. In terms of proximity, people from George, Knysna, Bitou and Oudtshoorn will first be accommodated at Gateway Lodge, which has a 28-bed capacity; if this site becomes full, those in quarantine and isolation, will be moved to PetroSA. People from Mossel Bay, Hessequa and Kannaland will be accommodated at the PetroSA facility which has a 150-bed capacity.

Both these sites are operational seven days a week and accept persons between 09h00 and 17h00 daily. The process for any public member requiring either quarantines or isolation facilities is to contact the local Provincial Department of Health sub-district health representative, who will assess the request and make the necessary arrangements.

It is important to note that if a person tested positive for coronavirus, they need to isolate. And if you have symptoms or have come into close contact with someone who has coronavirus, they are required to be in quarantine. If you can isolate or quarantine safely at home, do so, but if it is not possible, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local Provincial Department of Health sub-district health representative.

Contact details:

Knysna/Bitou subdistrict:

Contact number:  044 302 8405 / Laurel.Giddy@westerncape.gov.za

Kannaland subdistrict:

Contact number: 028 551 1010 / Tina-Louise.Meiring@westerncape.gov.za

Oudtshoorn subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 203 7207 / Joyce.Matyhila@westerncape.gov.za

George subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 814 1124/5 / Tersius.Ackerman@westerncape.gov.za

Mossel Bay subdistrict:

Contact number: 044 604 6194 / Maria.Manuel@westerncape.gov.za

Hessequa subdistrict:

Contact number: 028 713 8640 / Elizabeth.Braaf@westerncape.gov.za

16 August 2021 Joint Media Release: COVID-19 Vaccinations: Garden Route Executive Mayors lead by example and encourage others to do the same

Joint Media Release: COVID-19 Vaccinations: Garden Route Executive Mayors lead by example and encourage others to do the same

For Immediate Release
16 August 2021

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen and Executive Mayors from local municipalities in the Garden Route call on all Garden Routers eligible to register (35 years and older) to get their COVID-19 jab.

 “I received my first COVID-19 jab at the Thembalethu Clinic in George on 8 July 2021 and will receive my second 19 August 2021,” said Ald. Booysen.

He added: “I want to make it clear, the Medici has clearly stated that minor side-effects after receiving your jab is normal and doesn’t mean that it is more or less effective”.  Mayor Booysen also stated that with the help of Western Cape MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo’s three-day visits, two weeks ago, a lot of awareness was created and many Garden Routers became better informed about the importance of taking the COVID-19 vaccines to prevent severe illness.

Details of each Mayor’s vaccination status has been made publicly available and include:

  • Hessequa Executive Mayor Cllr Grant Riddles received his first jab on 19 July 2021 and will get his second one at the end of August.
  • Mossel Bay Executive Mayor Ald. Harry Levendal received his first jab on 9 June 2021 and his second in July.
  • Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Ricky van Aswegen, received his first jab on 9 July 2021 and his second one is on 20 August 2021.
  • Bitou Executive Mayor, Cllr Sandiso Gcabayi, received his first vaccine dose on 16 July and will receive his second one on 27 August 2021.
  • Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Chris Macpherson, received his first vaccine dose on 10 June 2021 and his second one 22 July 2021.
  • Kannaland Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Magdalena Barry, received her first vaccine dose on 23 June 2021 and received her second one on 11 August 2021.

Mayors agree that there remains a strong alignment between saving lives and saving livelihoods – two inseparable priorities. They’ve asked that the generation of tech-savvy youngsters go out of their way to help their elders with registering. It is easily done in a quick and simple process. Mayors also trust the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) findings of the current vaccines and their efficacy, safety and quality are up to standard. This is only one of many other reasons why all Garden Routers are urged to register when it’s their turn to fight back against COVID-19 and continue to save lives and livelihoods.

People 35 or older must register to receive their free COVID-19 vaccine by following these quick and easy steps:

  • You can also dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks) or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456
  • You will need your ID/Passport/Refugee number, as well as a smartphone, tablet or computer
  • The welcome screen will tell you what to do next
  • Follow the instructions to complete your registration
  • When you have registered, the EVDS system will send an SMS to the phone number you provided. You will receive a second SMS to tell you when and where to get your vaccination. You will need to show this at vaccination sites together with your identification document.

ENDS