The Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is pleased to report that the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out programme continues to make steady progress at old age homes in the Western Cape.
As of 22 June 2021, 29 902 persons have been vaccinated across old age homes in the province as part of Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan, which includes all residents who are 60 years and older. This includes residents and support staff.
“We are making steady progress in terms of vaccinating both residents and staff at old age homes, however, we are also witnessing an increase in COVID-19 infections at some facilities. As such, we remain on high alert and are continuing to work closely with all old age homes in the Province to ensure that all residents remain safe,” said Minister Fernandez.
As of 22 June 2021, the total number of residents in old age homes who have recovered from COVID-19 has increased to 2 726. The current figures show an increase of 34 recoveries, and an increase in the number of active infections from 20 to 49, since the Department last provided an update on 7 June 2021.
“Although we are continuing to see an increase in COVID-19 recoveries at old age homes, we still need to be cautious and not relax the interventions being implemented for months now,” added Minister Fernandez.
The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)’s role as stipulated in the Older Persons Act, is to register residential facilities and to monitor adherence to norms and standards of care within facilities.
Whilst DSD subsidizes older persons within these respective facilities, all old age homes are owned and managed independently.
In the Western Cape, there is a total of 300 old age homes of which, 117 are funded by the provincial DSD.
“I wish to thank the provincial Department of Health, the management teams of every old age home, carers, staff, officials and family members for their ongoing commitment and devotion in helping us manage the spread of the virus at all old age homes. We are grateful and appreciative of all your efforts during these challenging times,” said Minister Fernandez.
“I would like to encourage the public to frequently wash their hands, and to wear your masks correctly each time you leave home. It is also crucial to clean all surfaces around you - whether it be at home or work. Let’s do everything we can to ensure that we stop the further spread of the virus and protect those who are older and live with high-risk comorbidities,” concluded Minister Fernandez.
We urge the public to access credible information on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus.
For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:
Joshua Covenant Chigome
Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 083 661 4949