Simple things to do to get out of the 4th wave

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The Western Cape is past the peak of the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and to get out of it, citizens should stick to adhering to the basic hygiene and social principles that help to reduce the spread of the virus.

The provincial health department in a statement on Monday 10 January encourages citizens to stick to the basics to enable the province to get back to normality. It says that now is the best chance of getting there.

The current average of new cases per day is 2 200. Although this is declining, everyone needs to play their part. Based on the modelling prediction, if 600 new cases per day (based on the seven-day-moving average) is reached, the province will have exited the fourth wave.

To enable this, the following simple things can be adhered to:

Vaccinate

Vaccination is the best protection against severe COVID-19 and return to a more normal life.
They may not prevent you from getting COVID-19, but they will protect you against severe COVID-19.

Everyone 12 years and older can get the vaccine.

Booster doses are also available to people who have received the J&J vaccine two months ago and the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine six months ago.

There are several fixed sites and a number of pop-up sites and outreaches available which takes vaccination closer to where you live. Be on the lookout for them in your area, mall, or shopping centre and even at car washes. The weekly list of sites can be found on our social media channels.

Mask up

Show you care – wear your mask and protect yourself and others.

Avoid crowds

Keep gatherings short, small and outside. Keep a physical distance from others and were a mask.

Ventilation

Coronavirus spreads through the air when people breathe, talk, cough, sing or shout so protect yourself by keeping gatherings small, short and outdoors and making sure you have as much fresh air as possible indoors.

Showing symptoms?

Assume you have COVID-19 even if you don’t test.
If you are sick, stay at home. Stay separate from others in your home.
If you can’t, wear a mask and open doors and windows to ensure plenty of fresh air.