GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A bigger vaccine allocation that the Garden Route district is receiving a from this week was welcomed by Western Cape Health district director Zee Brickles.

"The increased vaccine allocation will address the slow roll-out experienced to date, due to limited vaccine supply from National Government. With the increased allocation we will be able to open more appointment slots at our vaccination sites and therefore vaccinate more people. We understand the frustration and anxiety experienced at large to be vaccinated, especially with increasing COVID-19 cases in our district," said Brickles.

The Garden Route is receiving an additional 7 948 doses on top of the confirmed 12 157 for the week 28 June – 2 July.

"This is significantly more vaccines compared to our allocation for the past 2 weeks,” said Brickles.

Testing criteria changed
Testing criteria has been updated and the following categories will be eligible for COVID-19 testing:

All those with coronavirus symptoms AND at least 1 of the following:

• Needing hospital admission.
• At high risk of severe disease (age > 45 years, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV).
• clusters in group settings such as old age/care homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, hostels, prisons, etc.
• health care workers.

Keep 'bubbles' small

Brickles said now is not the time to socially interact with people outside of your immediate family bubble (those living in the same household).

"The more interactions you and your immediate family members have outside of your immediate family bubble, the greater the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. If you have to meet someone, do so outdoors or indoors where there is good ventilation. Remember to always wear your mask when in public."

Vaccination sites 28 June – 2 July:

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