GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape Province shows early signs of the third Covid-19 wave plateauing.
"Data show that people over the age of 50 are now at highest risk for admissions and for death in any subsequent waves if we look at admissions and deaths to date.
"In this category for George only 49% in the age group 50 – 59 years is registered and 68% in the group 60 years and older," says the district spokesperson for the Western Cape Health Department, Nadia Ferreira.
Melanie Marthinus (55), a healthcare worker and also the primary healthcare manager for the sub-district was vaccinated in March. She tested positive for COVID-19 in July and says she believes that her vaccination made her symptoms much milder and her recovery quicker.
“I am hypertensive and had my thyroid removed and I am on treatment, so I knew I had to get vaccinated to protect myself from severe illness. This also shows that you can still get COVID-19 and transmit it to others when vaccinated but you are better protected from severe illness and death.
"This is also why it is so important that we continue with safety measures such as wearing our masks and avoiding gatherings,” said Marthinus.
Ferreira said health teams have been working around the clock to mobilise communities to register and to be vaccinated. Health staff have organised information sessions with municipal workers and other groups to discuss their concerns regarding the vaccine and debunk any myths.
Religious leaders as well as community leaders have come on board to encourage their members to get vaccinated.
Medical Manager at George Hospital Dr Zilla North said, “Now more than ever we need vaccine ambassadors to neutralise misinformation and encourage people to get vaccinated. We need everyone to mobilise in their communities, places of work, places of worship and any other platforms available to them. The only way that we can prevent another potential wave and loss of live is through vaccination.”
Patience Shipalane is a nurse at Thembalethu CDC. She knows the significant risk that the community faces due to poverty, overcrowded housing and limited employment. Asked why people are reluctant to be vaccinated she said,
“People fear the side-effects which are mostly mild, some people feel it is against their religion and all the fake news and misinformation regarding the vaccine create unnecessary distrust. We now have the opportunity to fight this virus. We must all get vaccinated to do so effectively."
Shipalane implores the community to get vaccinated to reduce deaths and admissions in possible future waves. “Remember to continue to wear your mask, wash or sanitize your hands and avoid crowded places."
She also reminds the community that that they must quarantine if they have symptoms and isolate properly when testing positive.
Geroge registration percentages are low in the younger age groups.
60 years and older: 68 %
50 - 59 years 49%
35 - 49 years 36%
Organisations and businesses may contact the local health team on 044 814 1125 if they need information sessions for their staff. Groups of up to 50 can be accommodated.
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