GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route District has shown a 43% decline in new Covid-19 cases the past seven days compared to 7-14 days previously, as well as a decline in hospitalisations.
In a media statement this afternoon, 25 January, District Director of Health Zee Brickles said the Health Department is optimistic about the decline in numbers but remains vigilant in order to contain any cluster outbreaks through responding as early as possible.
"We have to maintain our momentum of surveillance and monitoring as a department, but also rely on the community to keep up with the protective behaviours - wearing a mask at all times in public, avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and maintaining social distancing - that have brought about the gains which we now see."
Increasing protection through vaccination
According to the statement, an estimated 1 million vaccines will be made available for all frontline workers in South Africa in January, including those in the public and private sector, care workers and community health workers. A further 500 000 vaccines will be made available in South Africa in February.
The roll-out will be executed in a phased approach, with the first phase targeting healthcare workers. The second phase will target essential workers, people in congregate settings, persons older than 60 years, and persons older than 18 years with comorbidities. The third phase is envisioned to target people older than 18 years who have not been vaccinated during the first two phases.
The statement said the Western Cape Government will play a stewardship role. Administration of these vaccines forms part of the vaccine roll-out strategy. The Health Department is working on the strategy and logistics with the input of private sector role players. It is a "massive" operation that requires a multi-sectoral approach and the support of public, private and all parts of civil society, said the department.
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