UPDATE: COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme at old age homes continues

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) 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 07 June 2021, 20 505 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 citizens who are 60 years and older. The total number of persons vaccinated includes  both staff and residents at the respective facilities.

“As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we are working closely with the provincial Department of Health to ensure that both elderly residents and their caregivers at these facilities are vaccinated. I am pleased that we started off well and are now making steady progress in this regard,” said the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

All private and funded residential facilities are encouraged to urgently register residents who are 60 years and older on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).

“I would also like to encourage all persons who are 60 years of age and above to register to get vaccinated from a designated vaccination site. Although Phase 2 of the vaccination roll-out plan is well on the way, now is not the time for us to let our guard down! Together, we can continue to mitigate the effects of Covid-19,” 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 monitor adherence to norms and standards of care within facilities. 

Whilst the department subsidises 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 DSD.

As of 07 May 2021, the total number of residents in old age homes who have recovered from COVID-19 has increased to 2 692. The current figures show an increase of 22 recoveries, and an increase in the number of active infections from 8 to 20, since the DSD last provided an update on 26 May 2021.

“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,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

All residential facilities can access information with regards to the COVID-19 Vaccination roll-out on www.vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za.

We urge the public to access credible information on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus.

The Western Cape Government urges the public to be wary of fake news that finds its way to you via social media or WhatsApp on COVID-19 and vaccines. We need your help to combat the spread of misinformation, fear, fake cures, fake news and malicious hoaxes. Report fake news on WhatsApp at 067 966 4015 or email fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za.