GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape Health Minister, Nomafrench Mbombo, was highly impressed with the preparedness of the Nelson Mandela University George Campus to be a Covid-19 vaccination site.
She declared the campus ready for vaccinations during an oversight visit there on Thursday last week. Her visit was part of an outreach in the Garden Route to ensure effective vaccine delivery through the Western Cape government's roll-out system.
Mbombo also complimented the campus on its strict Covid-19 protocols, from the entrance gate through to the classrooms, residences and the library, and on the use of technological capability to ensure adherence. At the gate, she was asked to step out of her car to be screened by paramedics, which surprised her.
"The screening team on this campus insisted that I step out to be screened their way. For me, this was already reassurance that this institution is one that strictly follows the Covid-19 protocols," she said.
Accompanied by campus principal Kaluke Mawila, the minister was given a tour of various facilities, including the campus health clinic which houses a fridge that provides various storage temperatures. It can even accommodate the Pfizer vaccine that needs to be kept at a very low temperature.
The university has erected field homes adjacent to the clinic to provide additional space. The nurses have also completed Covid-19 vaccination training. Only students and staff will be vaccinated here.
Mbombo said the Western Cape government estimates that about 723 000 older persons will be vaccinated between 17 May and the end of June. "From 1 July we can also tackle the essential services."
She said students will have their oppor-tunity to be vaccinated from October to February, depending on whether vaccines are received from national government.
"Covid is no longer just a health problem, it is a societal issue. It needs all stakeholders in order for us to fight this pandemic."
Mawila said the George campus is raising its hand to become a key contributor in discussions around the management of the pandemic.
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