Cases at low levels between inter-wave periods, but more vaccinations needed

Western Cape cases continue to decline to lowest levels between inter-wave periods, but the emphasis is still on higher vaccination numbers.

Our current COVID-update to care for you

Recent data shows that the active cases in the Western Cape continue to decline – both new case and admissions – reaching the lowest levels in-between waves. If you are over the age of 50 – now is your chance to protect yourself by getting vaccinated!

Throughout the COVID-pandemic we have seen highs and lows, literally. We have had peaks of unthinkable heights, but also lows of unimaginable realities. The daily monitoring of our COVID-situation has given us some assurance we are on the right path to beating this pandemic:

• The test proportion positive rate decreased to around 1.7% 
• New cases continued to decrease by 5% week-on-week.
• Decrease in daily cases over the last week with 40 new cases each day based on the 7-day moving average  
• On Wednesday, 17 November we had 162 patients in hospital with only 52 in ICU
• Hospital admissions are around 14 new admissions daily
• Deaths are around 2 per day

When compared to the inter-wave periods of October 2020 and April 2021, all metrics are now at lower levels than they have been previously. 

Our vaccination programme to protect you

With close to four million vaccinations administered in the Western Cape, our vaccination programme which has been rolled out since May, continues to venture into hard-to-find communities.

As of 18 November, 3 964 835 vaccines have been administered, resulting in:

• 69,24% (or 500 732) persons older than 60 years being vaccinated at least once and 463 847 (or 64,14%) of those being fully vaccinated
• 59,37% (or 406 149) person between 50 – 59 years receiving at least one dose and 367 038 (or 53,78%) of those being fully vaccinated
• 50,85% (or 768 727) persons between 35 - 49 years being vaccinated with 659 919 (or 43,65%) being fully vaccinated
• 36,4% (or 749 057) of those aged between 18 – 34 being vaccinated with 560 550 (or 27,24%) being fully vaccinated
• 48 798 of those aged 12 – 17 years have also received their one-dose vaccine

Easy vaccination made available for you

The Department has even made it so easy for all eligible residents to get vaccinated through its pop-up sites in communities and at various high-traffic points such as grocery stores. Vaccines are widely available, but we need you to take up the opportunity. Our data has shown that those over the age of 50 years and those with comorbidities are at higher risk of contracting severe illness, being hospitalized and dying if unvaccinated. So, make the time while doing shopping, while going on a walk – visit these sites and get your protection.

Our vaccine programme needs to reach higher numbers – currently we still have more vaccine available than people demanding vaccination. We hope that our numbers can climb rapidly to ensure better coverage and lessen the potential for more Covid-19 variants.

Booster shots for our healthcare workers

In addition, and in expectation of a fourth wave, the National Department of Health has given the go-ahead for booster shots to be administered to healthcare workers (HCWs) – to ensure our health systems are protected against severe infections. All along, it has been a priority of the Department to protect and care for all healthcare workers who have given so much to the fight against Covid-19.

As of 17 November, 20 421 HCWs have taken up their booster shots since 10 November. We thank them for doing the right thing in restoring their immunity as we move into the busy Festive period when the fourth wave is expected. We also call on all the other HCWs to take up this booster shot – not just for them, but for their patients they care for, and the loved ones they will be seeing over this period.

Extending incentives to other age groups

The National Department has now also extended the R100 grocery voucher to those aged 50 years and older going for their first dose. So, when you go for your first dose, you are not only getting protection through vaccination, but you also get a R100 voucher to buy essentials.

Don’t delay, go today, and get vaccinated so you can be protected!