GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The fourth Covid-19 wave could be expected in the latter part of December and possibly into January.
This is according to preliminary projections of the South African Covid-19 Modelling Consortium (SACMC) as quoted by the head of the Western Cape Health Department, Dr Keith Cloete.
Speaking during a provincial digicon update on Tuesday 9 November, Cloete said clearer and more definite predictions with more data are expected from the consortium within the next two weeks.
Health Minister Nomafrench Mbombo said the number of people needing hospitalisation, oxygen and ventilators is expected to be lower during the fourth wave due to vaccination.
However, there might well be a high positivity rate, which could still negatively affect the economy because of isolation and quarantine measures.
According to Cloete, genomic surveillance shows that the delta variant still remains dominant in South Africa. There are several sub-lineages with the AY.45 dominating in South Africa.
"There is no sign that any other sub-lineage or variant will be rapidly increasing in the foreseeable future," said Cloete. The lineage currently being carefully monitored in the UK (AY.4.2) has not been detected in South Africa, and the mu and lambda variants (first detected in South America with sporadic spreading in Europe) are also not being detected locally.
Covid in the Garden Route
As at Tuesday 9 November, the Garden Route had a total of 112 recorded active cases (George 40, Mossel Bay 16, Oudtshoorn 31, Knysna 12, Bitou 3, Hessequa 9 and Kannaland 1). The figures are expected to decline further during the next few weeks.
As at Monday 8 November, there were no Covid patients in the Mediclinic George and Geneva and George Hospital had seven Covid patients, of whom one was in high care.
Vaccination
At the Mediclinic Geneva vaccination centre, an average of 100 people are vaccinated per day from Tuesdays to Fridays and to date, just more than 23 000 vaccines have been administered at the hospital.
There is a concerted effort in the Garden Route and Central Karoo district to improve vaccine take-up. District health director Zee Brickles said to date vaccination teams have administered 326 063 doses.
"We have a long way to go to reach our two targets, namely to fully vaccinate 85% of those above the age of 50 years, and 65% of the total Garden Route population between the ages 18 and 49 with at least one dose. We stand at 63% and 38% respectively. The festive season last year was sombre with seemingly no light at the end of a dark tunnel, but this year I am optimistic and positive. This time we will be better prepared and protected if we are vaccinated," said Brickles.
His daughter, Riyanna (15), got her Covid-19 vaccination at Harry Comay Hospital on 4 November after doing her own research and with reliable information provided by her dad.
Vooma vaccination drive
A Vooma vaccination drive will take place nationally this weekend. In George, the public can get their shot on Saturday and Sunday, 13 and 14 November, at the Thembalethu Community Day Centre from 09:00 to 14:00. Registration can be done at the site.
The Mediclinic Geneva vaccination centre will be open on Saturday 13 November from 08:00 to 14:00. Mediclinic George and Geneva manager Kassie Karstens invited all eligible persons of 12 years and older, and both insured and uninsured people.
On Monday 15 November, health care workers in the district will start receiving booster doses.
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