Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update 12 July 2021

For Immediate Release
12 July 2021

The Garden Route District has seen a 56 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.  The district had an increase of 1225 new COVID-19 cases the past 7 days.  All sub-districts had large percentage increases, except Bitou sub-distrct which has essentially maintained the status quo.  George sub-district in particular had a big increase.

All district hospitals are starting to feel pressure with an increase in admissions.  This is especially so for Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay and Riversdale Hospitals.  We can however confirm that our supply of oxygen to our hospitals is under control. There are now a total of 1 520 deaths.  This is an additional 66 deaths compared to the total of last week.

There are now 778 active cases per 100 000.  (One week ago it was 580.)

COVID-19 stats as of 12 July 2021

Vaccination roll-out

Due to a smaller supply of vaccines, the district had to make adjustments to the schedule for the week 12 – 16 July. The Garden Route vaccination sites will be prioritising people over the age of 60 coming for their first or second dose and people over the age 50 years coming for their first dose. A reduced number of walk-in clients will be accommodated this week.

The district has to date vaccinated nearly 60 000 people. This includes health care workers, old age homes, public vaccination sites and the teacher program.

Vaccination sites and dates for week 12 – 16 July 2021.

Keeping safe during the Third Wave 

We are currently in the midst of an established Third Wave of Covid-19 infections. The best way we can protect each other is to avoid social gatherings outside our immediate home environment and protect our ‘bubble’. This is your ‘safe space’.  Thus, let’s keep this behavior going for the next few weeks, to break the chain of transmission and flatten the curve.

We can avoid a transmission chain from setting in by protecting our air space.

• Avoid all large gatherings;
• Avoid any social gatherings where possible;
• If you need to go out to do activities such as shopping, always wear your mask and keep it short;
• If you must meet, keep it outdoors, small and short;
• When indoors, dress warmly and ensure the windows are open so your space is well ventilated with fresh air;
• If sick, stay home

ENDS

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

Media Release: COVID-19: Executive Mayor Memory Booysen receives his first vaccination

For Immediate Release
8 July 2021

Executive Mayor for Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen, encourages Garden Routers, in particular, those 50 years and older to register to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Booysen received his first Pfizer dose at the Thembalethu Clinic on Thursday, 8 July 2021. He will return to the clinic on 19 August, after 42 days, for his second jab.

Mayor Booysen arrived at 12:05 pm and got his jab at 12:35 pm. He waited in line with other Garden Routers for his turn.

“I felt a little sting when they gave me the injection, but otherwise I feel perfectly fine. I trust that the public will continue to turn out in big numbers to get vaccinated. I also urge the public to help stop the spread of misinformation, fear and fake news about vaccines.”

To date 53 582 people in the Garden Route have been vaccinated since the start of the vaccine program and more are expected to register to get their injections going forward.

COVID-19 Facts

Here are the facts about COVID-19 vaccines:

• COVID-19 vaccines are tested rigorously and are proven to be safe and effective.
• If you are an adult with an underlying medical condition or illness, you have a greater risk of severe COVID-19 and should get the vaccine to protect you.
• It gives protection against severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 related death.
• It cannot give you COVID-19 as it does not contain any live virus.
• It cannot change your DNA.
• No COVID-19 vaccine contains animal products or eggs. The vaccines are suitable for vegans and are halal. The rubber stoppers of the vaccine vials do not contain latex.

Feature image: Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for Garden Route District Municipality excited and relieved to have received his first Phizer Jab – Zilla North (Manager: Medical Services for the George Sub-District) was by his side throughout the process. The wall behind them was painted by students from the Life Skills Club at the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Center.

ENDS

Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

For Immediate Release
21 June 2021

The Garden Route District has seen a 105 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.  All sub-districts had large percentage increases.

None of our district hospitals are currently under pressure, but we are seeing an increase in admissions.

George Hospital is not under pressure, but has had a big increase in admissions. Harry Comay Hospital is commissioning a 20-bed Covid ward to provide support for step-down patients from George Hospital.

COVID-19 stats as of 21 June 2021

What follows a social gathering

Without being aware of it you may have picked up the virus after spending time with friends and family. As you then return home, back to work, back to school, or visit an elderly and vulnerable person – all these people who you have come into contact are now also at risk of being infected. They in turn continue with their daily routine – return back to their primary environment which could be there homes or workplace.

Here they then can pass on the virus to their household members. And so the transmission chain continues to grow, and spreads faster.

We can avoid a transmission chain from setting in by protecting our air space. We need to break the chain of transmission – here is how:

• Avoid large gatherings;
• Also, avoid social gatherings which are outside your immediate household;
• If you need to go out, always wear your mask;
• If you need to meet up, keep it outdoors, small and short;
• When gathering indoors, dress warmly and ensure the windows are open so your space is well ventilated with fresh air;
• If sick, stay home

 Vaccination roll-out

A total of 26 878 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

 Over the last few weeks, we have come across several misconceptions about being vaccinated. We would like to remind the public that the vaccine gives great protection against severe illness and death.

However, it does not offer a guarantee that you will not contract (or transmit) Covid-19. So even if you have been vaccinated, and do not practice the necessary safety measures, you can still contract the virus, albeit a mild disease. It is therefore crucially important that we continue to adhere to the golden rules of keeping safe as set out above.

 The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 21 – 25 June.

Please remember that we prioritise those who are registered and have received their appointment.

Disclaimer: Dates and sites are subject to change.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za 
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za