Category: <span>Coronavirus</span>

23 June 2022 Media Release: Latest COVID – 19 regulations Vol 684 published 22 June 2022, in the Government Gazette No 11447

Media Release:  Latest COVID – 19 regulations Vol 684 published 22 June 2022, in the Government Gazette No 11447

For Immediate Release
23 June 2022

The above-mentioned regulations Repeals Regulations 16A, 16B and 16C of the Regulations relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions made in terms of sections 90(1)(j), (k) and (w) of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61of 2003) and promulgated on 4 May 2022 under Government Notice 2060 in their entirety.

Regulation 16A – Wearing of face masks to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Regulation 16B – Regulation of gatherings to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Regulation 16C – Regulation of persons entering the country to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Read more:  Government Gazette No 11447

2021 12 09 Media Release: Health platform update

Media Release: Health platform update

8 December 2021

The Garden Route District had an increase of 272 COVID-19 cases the past 7 days.  There are now 54 active cases per 100 000 population( one week ago it was 14).

All sub-districts had an increase in the active cases per 100 000 population.

District Hospitals and George Hospital had a total of 14 COVID-19 patients as of 7 December.  Mossel bay Hospital:1; George Hospital: 2;  Harry Comay Hospital: 10 and Knysna Hospital: 1

VACCINATIONS

With the new Omicron variant rapidly spreading, we once again appeal to those who have not yet been vaccinated to take up any of the many opportunities provided within the communities. Get vaccinated and be protected, especially as we are entering the fourth wave.

Western Cape Government Health will continue with efforts to increase uptake of vaccination in all groups. Get vaccinated at the Vooma Vaccination week from 3-10 December before the holidays so that you and your loved ones can be fully protected and have a safe holiday period together and help us prevent severe illness and death ahead of the fourth wave.

Over the last few days, the Western Cape breached the 50% mark of adults in the province being vaccinated with at least one dose. Though only halfway, the 51,36% or 2 556 131 of adults in the province have ensured they are protected against severe illness.

Pastor Grec Jantjies from Zoar received his vaccination.

Vaccination teams have administered 358 034 vaccine doses to date within the Garden Route District.

The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 53% (2 percentage points more than a week ago) and the percentage of the total Garden Route population who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 36% (1 percentage points more than a week ago).

We implore anyone who has not yet received their vaccination to do so as a matter of urgency.

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

16 November 2021 Media Release: Vuma Weekend

Media Release: Vooma Weekend

For Immediate Release
Date: 16 November 2021

More than one thousand people from across the Garden Route took up the opportunity to safeguard themselves and their communities by getting a Covid-19 vaccine during the Vooma vaccination campaign which took place from 12 to 14 November 2021.  The Garden Route district received a welcome boost towards its targets to 1. Fully vaccinate 85% of the total population for those older than 50 years (stands at 64%) and 2. Vaccinate 65% of the total population 18 – 49 years with at least 1 dose (stands at 50%).

The Garden Route District has to date administered 335 685 vaccines. Thank you to everyone who took the time to get their vaccine.

Keeping you safe

Older people are at increased risk of Covid-19. This risk becomes worse when combined with underlying illnesses(such as kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension etc.).

Research in the Western Cape shows that people over 50 years have 7.5 times higher risk of contracting severe Covid-19. A fully vaccinated person is 4.3 times less likely to die of Covid-19 than an unvaccinated person. In this age group the target is to reach 85%. If someone is over 50, please go for the Covid-19 vaccine as quickly as possible.

Younger persons under 50 who have underlying health conditions are also at high risk of severed Covid-19 disease. Such persons should get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible

please call0860142 142 for more information on weekly sites or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WCGHealth/

Also watch local media and municipal pages for details

END.

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

8 November 2021 Media Release: Youth to get vaccinated

Media Release: Youth to get vaccinated

For Immediate Release

5 November 2021

District Director for the Garden Route and Central Karoo Health districts, Mr Zee Brickles,  visited Harry Comay Hospital on 4 November 2021, together with his 15-year-old daughter Riyanna Brickles for her COVID -19 vaccination.

“Our children are undeniably, our future. This certainty is however challenged daily by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has shown that vaccination prevents severe disease and death and that is why we eagerly supported our child when she decided to take the vaccine”, said Mr Brickles.

Riyanna was initially a bit scared of the needle but now knows it was not necessary.  “I was a bit stressed about the injection part and what  a relief when it was not half as bad as I thought it would be. It was quite simple and quick”, she said. Riyanna wants to encourage other youth to also protect themselves and their families by getting the vaccine.

Mr Brickles added: “We share many dreams with our children; their matric ball, their first day heading off to university, their dream job, their wedding day etc., and we owe it to ourselves to be there with them on those days when their dreams are realised. We can absolutely achieve this if we get vaccinated and support our children to also vaccinate when they are ready, like we did. Our children have the right to choose whether or not to take the vaccine and we as parents have the obligation to support them in their informed decision. Our daughter did her own research but we also provided her with reliable and credible information about COVID and the vaccine, on which she based her own decision to take the vaccine. I would like to encourage all parents to do the same as it remains our responsibility to be that support, at times when our children need us most.

Mr Zee Brickles with his daughter Riyanna who received her COVID-19 vaccination. With them is vaccinator Elsabe Kamfer.

We are living in times where we endure repeated attacks from COVID-19 on our mental state, on our choice to socialise and on our physical health. We have all lost loved ones and colleagues, we have all witnessed how families were left in utter despair and we have certainly all endured the many restrictions imposed upon our freedom in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. December of last year was a particular challenge for us when we experienced the devastating effects of the 2nd wave, our liberties were restricted to socialise in the confines of our own homes, separated from friends and families and our movement was limited when beaches and recreational facilities were closed. We were on edge when our phones rang for fear that it may be bad news about a friend, loved one or colleague as we saw so many deaths occurring daily. The festive season last year was sombre; with seemingly no light at the endless dark tunnel.

This year I am optimistic and positive! The vaccine has brought us an opportunity to again experience the silly season as we have in previous years with lots of joy, happiness and laughter with friends and family whilst being able to visit our beaches and recreational facilities. This time we will be better prepared and protected if we are vaccinated. Children from the age of 12, adults and our most precious seniors have an opportunity to again experience the festive season as we know it without fear of severe disease and death. Let us all Unite to Vaccinate and support our children to become our allies in pursuit of a healthy and protected people. Let us not forget the dreams of our children and ensure that we help them get there through ensuring that they too are protected from severe disease and death”, said Brickles.

We implore the public to visit their nearest vaccination site for their free and quick vaccination to save our summer.

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

18 October 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

For Immediate Release
18 October 2021

The Garden Route District has shown a decline in COVID-19 active cases per 100 000 population with 62 active cases per 100 000 this week compared to 89 cases per 100 000 population the previous week.

The situation for the district as a whole has improved. Although some district hospitals still see pockets of COVID-19 inpatients, decreased pressure is seen across the district.

All subdistricts are planning to start escalating services again that were either stopped or rendered with decreased capacity during the 3rd wave.

Vaccination teams are actively busy with outreaches to vaccinate as many people as possible. The Garden Route had a 1% increase in vaccinations for 18 years and older with at least one dose and stands at 45%.  The percentage of the total population for the Garden Route who have received at least one dose stands at 31%. This is also a 1% increase from the previous week.

The Garden Route District is slowly moving towards its target of 70% fully vaccinated persons above the age of 50 years and 70% partially vaccinated for the age group 18 – 49 years.

If you wish to fully vaccinate by Christmas, your first vaccine should be administered no later than 20 October. The Health Department appeals to all citizens to prioritise vaccination.

High-risk warning

If you are over 50 years, you are at high risk when contracting COVID-19. During the third wave, people aged 50 years and older made up 30% of cases, 60% of admissions, and 83% of deaths due to COVID-19.

Get vaccinated now to protect yourself.

 COVID-19 stats

Feature image caption: Vaccination teams did an outreach at Knysna taxi rank.

END

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

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)

-End-

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

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

02 August 2021 Media Release: Health platform update

Media Release: Health platform update 2 August 2021

The Garden Route district has a total of 51 300 confirmed COVID-19 cases, this is an increase of 3003 cases from last week.  The district now has 5 974 active cases. George has the highest active cases per 100 000 people.  Second is Mossel Bay sub-district and then Hessequa sub-district. All situations are being actively monitored.  It is important that we all play our part in curbing the spread of the virus by avoiding crowded places, confined spaces with poor ventilation and settings where you are a close contact.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital remains under pressure.  Today there are 84 Covid patients in the hospital, of whom 22 are in Critical Care. This is a slight improvement compared to last week.

Harry Comay Hospital, as step-down facility for George Hospital, also remains under pressure.  There are now 24 patients in the two wards.

All district hospitals are very busy with an increase in admissions.  The supply of oxygen to hospitals is sufficient.

Vaccination programme

We have received fewer vaccine from the National Government than anticipated for this week.

Our Department is working behind the scenes to ensure that we receive additional vaccines to be able to sustain the high demand.

This does mean some of our sites are under pressure, and we ask for your support and patience. We continue to do everything possible to get available supplies to every corner of the province, and our staff are working extremely hard to provide you with an excellent vaccine service.

Our priority for walk-ins remains the same in principle.

Priority 1: People 60 years and older requiring their 1st and 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 2: People aged 50-59 years requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 3. People aged 35 – 49 requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Please note that vaccinations on the day will be guided by local demand at that specific site.

To register visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ or go to www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link to register or  WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 2 – 6 August  2021.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 2 – 6 August
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 2 – 6 Aug
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 2 – 6 Aug
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 2, 5, 6
Knysna sub-district Karatara Satellite Clinic 2
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 6
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 2, 5, 6
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek Clinic 3
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 3, 4
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district George Central Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Mobile Outreach 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 2 – 6 Aug
George sub-district Haarlem Clinic 6
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 6
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 2 – 6 Aug
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 3, 4, 6
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 2, 5, 6
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 4
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 2, 3, 5, 6
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 2, 6
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 4
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 4
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 2
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 4
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 5
Kannaland sub-district Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal 3
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 2, 4, 5
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Boggomsbaai & Vleesbaai 03-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Herbetsdale 04-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Kleinbrak & Toekoms 05-Aug
Mossel Bay sub-district Mobile Outreach Sonskynvallei 06-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrus Community Hall 2 – 6 Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 03-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 05-Aug
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 2 – 6 Aug

 

COVID-19 stats as of 2 August 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 308 160 3 041 107
George 19 608 2 864 16 095 649
Hessequa 3 199 557 2 501 141
Kannaland 1 266 146 1 064 56
Knysna 6 497 623 5 680 194
Mossel Bay 12 109 1 213 10 542 354
Oudtshoorn 5 313 411 4 556 346
Sub-total 51 300 5 974 43 479 1 847

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Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za