Vaccines key to navigating a fourth wave of Covid-19

With so much uncertainty around the new Covid-19 variant and the impending fourth wave of infections, the City reminds residents of the one certainty – that vaccination and responsible social behaviour offer protection.

 

The City of Cape Town’s healthcare practitioners are preparing for a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections, in conjunction with their provincial and national partners.

 

Confirmation of a new variant has put everyone on high alert, particularly as scientists are not yet certain about how transmissible Omicron is, and whether it will result in more severe disease.

 

Until more information becomes available, City Health will continue supporting the broader Covid-19 response by vaccinating as many individuals as possible. Vaccine efforts have shifted from facility based to increased pop up and outreach sites, as well as participating in the national Vooma vaccination weekends.

 

To address low vaccination rates in the Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain subdistricts, City Health and its partners have also started collaborating with local community leaders and businesses to try and reach out to those who are not vaccinated.

 

‘A year ago we faced a second wave of infections, and now, once more, another wave appears imminent. The difference is that we have vaccines available to us this time around, so there is a measure of protection that we can get for ourselves and our loved ones. Data released by the national health department this week shows that most of those hospitalised with Covid-19 currently, are unvaccinated persons. It is crucial that we work with the facts at hand and steer clear of continued fearmongering around the safety of the vaccines,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

 

Between 1 and 23 November 2021, the City’s Environmental Health Practitioners inspected 3 869 premises for compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

 

Staff found 98% of premises to be compliant, with legal action instituted against 40 of the 62 that were non-compliant.

 

Key reasons for non-compliance include:

 

No Covid-19 screening at some restaurants and other businesses

Client screening temperatures not documented

No social distancing at funeral gatherings

Generally not wearing masks by shop managers, staff and customers

Some ECD staff members not wearing masks and no screening records for children in their care

‘While the compliance rate is to be commended, it is disappointing to hear that some businesses are not adhering to the protocols. Even in communities, there have been increasing reports of non-compliance with mask wearing and social distancing. We are heading into the year-end holiday period, which traditionally is a time for shopping, celebrations and gatherings. My appeal to the public is to please avoid indoor gatherings as far as possible and to avoid crowds. We can do without super-spreader events. I understand that pandemic fatigue is real, but we cannot afford to let our guard down,’ added Councillor van der Ross.

 

Source: City Of Cape Town