With the peak of the third wave expected within the next week or two, the City of Cape Town’s Health Department has called for increased adherence to health protocols. New infections have slowed down and there has been a slight decrease in burials.

The graph, provided by the Medical Research Council, shows a potential levelling out of deaths. It shows an increase in excess deaths in the province, indicative of the number of deaths that are occurring above what is expected.

‘The metro is seeing about 1 280 new cases a day and while this figure has slowed, it’s not cause for us to drop our guard. It is disheartening that funeral protocol adherence continues to be problematic, with only a 72% adherence rate at funerals assessed by City Health in the past week. These events could become super spreaders if we’re not vigilant,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

During the past week there were 547 burials compared to 649 in the previous week.

‘Even though this is a notable decrease of 102 burials, at the same time we are seeing a steady increase in the demand for cremations, having cremated 150 deceased in the past week,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The busiest cemeteries were Klip 154 (215 the previous week), Maitland 139 (on par with previous week) and Welmoed 113 (an increase of 74).

VACCINATION PROGRESS

Registration and the administering of Covid-19 vaccines for the 35 – 49 age group is well underway, with the 18 – 34 age group expected to become eligible for registration from 1 September.

Of those vaccinated to date, 58.8% are women across all age groups.

‘Women are once again taking the lead in ensuring the health and well-being of our communities. It cannot fall on their shoulders alone I want to encourage men to step up. We have been heartened by the excitement shown by those in the younger age groups to be vaccinated. Assist someone you know, who is eligible, to register for the vaccine. It is in everyone’s best interests to vaccinate as many eligible persons as possible,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The lowest registration rates for those over 60 are in the following areas:

Nomzamo: 9.8%

Phillipi : 11.36 %

Fisantekraal : 16.1%

Imizamo Yethu: 17.57 %

Crossroads : 21%

‘We are concerned about the number of residents who aren’t registered and the City is doing what it can to ensure the process is as smooth and accessible as possible,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

The measures in place to reach these residents is:

– Pop up vaccine sites in the Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha sub districts , at SASSA pay points, community halls, farms and shopping centres. This is driven by Western Cape Government Health (WCGH) while City Health staff assist with vaccinations.

– We do same day registration and vaccination of persons >60 at all City sites as well as provincial sites.

– We are in the process of registering a mobile van as a vaccination site. This vaccination van will operate in Area South. WCGH has mobile vans operating as vaccination sites in other areas

Any resident 60 years and older who has not registered, or has not received an appointment, can go to their nearest public sector vaccination site for assisted registration and vaccination.

BE VIGILANT OF COVID SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms of infection with the Delta variant are the same as the symptoms of the common cold, namely a runny nose, headache, sore throat and fever. If you experience Covid-19 symptoms please isolate yourself immediately.

All persons who have symptoms should stay at home and not visit public places as they can pass the infection on to others. They have to isolate for 10 days and also inform the persons they have been in contact with that they have Covid-19 symptoms so they can isolate and observe for symptoms. In the public sector Covid-19 testing is only done for those older than 45 with symptoms, all persons with co-morbidities who have symptoms and healthcare workers.

In addition to wearing a mask that covers the mouth and nose, handwashing and hand sanitising, City Health advocates for avoiding the 3 Cs: crowded places, congested space, and close contact.

‘If you do gather, keep it small (under 10 people), keep it short and take it outside. Until we can protect everyone, continue to social distance, wash your hands and wear a mask,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Source: City Of Cape Town