GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - The Garden Route district had a 34% increase in new Covid-19 cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago.
All sub-districts showed an increase with some increases being quite significant, according to Nadia Ferreira, district spokesperson for health.
The total number of positive patients for the district on 23 August was 59 678. One week ago it was 56 618.
"The district has 823 positive cases per 100 000 population, once again the highest rate per 100 000 people in the province," said Ferreira.
The district recorded 94 Covid-related deaths from Monday to Monday, 16 to 23 August.
Hospital Covid ward more than 100% full
The Covid-19 ward at George Regional Hospital is more than 100% full. The Critical Care Unit is 87% full.
As of 23 August, there are 62 Covid-19 patients in the hospital, of whom 21 are in critical care.
"Harry Comay Hospital, used as step-down facility for George Hospital, is less busy. There are 13 patients in the two wards. All district hospitals are busy, especially Oudtshoorn Hospital. The supply of oxygen to hospitals is sufficient," said Ferreira.
Vaccination programme
The Garden Route has administered 163 042 vaccines to date.
Ferreira said the extension of the vaccination programme to include the 18-34 year age group has been met with great enthusiasm in some sub-districts. "We invite everyone above the age of 18 to get their vaccination. We are in the process of identifying weekend sites which will be communicated to the public."
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