The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has encouraged eligible residents to register for the vaccine, while those over 60 are encouraged to present themselves to vaccination sites regardless of whether they’ve registered or received an SMS.

‘The number of people infected has risen and there is no doubt that we are in the third wave, with the peak not yet in site. We’ve seen a steady week-on-week increase in new cases, admissions and fatalities.

‘The Metro has experienced 8 418 new Covid-19 infections this past week, which brings the total number of cases to 185 846 since the start of the pandemic. This is a 43% increase in new cases as compared to the previous week. The proportion of persons testing positive has also increased, and with the presence of the more contagious Delta variant, we implore residents to not only continue with hygiene protocols, but to stay home as far as possible. This variant has been detected in all the sub districts.

‘Symptoms for mild disease due to infection with Delta variant may not be exactly identical to other variants and can include cold-like symptoms such as a headache, runny nose and sore throat therefore any of these symptoms should be treated as Covid-19 and persons should isolate. It is imperative to note that this time around, the loss of taste/smell may not be prevalent,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

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

Registration for Covid vaccination has opened on the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) for people 50 – 59 years and SMS appointments will be sent to people in this age group who have successfully registered.

As of Monday 5 July, the system has been allocating available appointment slots in the following order of priority:

Priority 1 – people 60 years and older requiring their first dose of Pfizer vaccine;

Priority 2 – people 60 years and older who are eligible for their second dose of Pfizer vaccine (approximately 42 days after their first dose);

Priority 3 – people aged 50 – 59 years requiring their first dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Although the over-50 age band is open, administering the first dose to persons 60 years and older remains the highest priority at the moment.

Thus the most vulnerable, those 60 years and older, will be prioritised in the walk-in queues over people aged 50 – 59 years.

‘Any resident 60 years and older who has not registered, or who has not received an appointment, can go to their nearest public sector vaccination site for assisted registration and vaccination. Our community organisations need to assist in this regard, especially where it concerns elderly residents who are not aware of this development,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Updated testing criteria

Due to the large increase in cases in the Metro, testing is reserved for people who are most at risk of getting and spreading the virus, and those at risk of severe Covid-19.

The testing criteria is modified to the following situations in city clinics:

1. People needing hospital admission

2. People with coronavirus symptoms and who reside in large group confined spaces (old age homes, care homes)

3. People with coronavirus symptoms AND who are at high risk of severe disease:

a. Age >45 years

b. Those of any age who have one or more of the following co-morbidities:

• Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV

4. All healthcare workers with Coronavirus symptoms

5. Healthcare workers who are in quarantine and asymptomatic at day seven (to allow for early return to work)

6. Those who previously tested positive, but have developed new coronavirus symptoms, should only be tested 30 days after their first test.

All persons accessing a health facility will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms, but only those who have symptoms and fall into one of the categories above will be tested.

‘Vaccination is being ramped up, but we also need residents to help us stem the tide until we can protect everyone. Continue to social distance, wash your hands and wear a mask,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Those persons 50 to 59 years who have not yet registered on EVDS, 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

If you are 60 years and older and have not registered for your vaccination yet, you can visit a City of Cape Town Vaccination site, where the staff will register you and administer your vaccine. If you’ve registered for a vaccine and are waiting for the second SMS or if you’ve received a SMS appointment for a venue far from your home, you can go to one of the vaccination sites below where you will be assisted. If you have any questions, please contact one of the vaccination sites.

What do you need to register?

1. A cell phone number where confirmation of your future booking details will be sent. If you don’t have a cell phone, provide the cell phone number of a relative or friend.

2. Your RSA ID, Passport, Refugee Permit or Asylum Seeker Permit Number.

Source: City Of Cape Town