POLITICS

1 700 healthcare workers vaccinated over weekend – Alan Winde

Premier says he and the rest of cabinet will only get the Covid-19 vaccination at a later time

Media Release: Update on the coronavirus and vaccine rollout by Premier Alan Winde

22 February 2021

As of 1pm on 22 February, the Western Cape has 4637 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 274 046 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 258 354 recoveries. A total of 2756 vaccines had been administered by 5pm on 21 February.

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases

274 046

Total recoveries

258 354

Vaccines administered 

2756

Total deaths

11 055

Total active cases (currently infected patients)

4637

Tests conducted

131 0996

Hospitalisations

1317 with 285 in ICU or high care

The Western Cape has recorded 21 additional deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 11 055. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.

Additional data is available on the Western Cape Covid-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. Access the data dashboard here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard

Vaccinations rollout:

Over the weekend, over 1700 vaccines were administered to healthcare workers in the province, with 861 administered on Saturday and a further 932 administered yesterday. A total of 2756 vaccines had been administered to healthcare workers in the province by 5pm yesterday.

This is the biggest vaccination drive in the province and the country, with a number of technical and logistical moving parts. We have been working hard to ensure that the rollout has been smooth and to make adjustments as required. I am heartened by the growing number of vaccinations being administered daily.

Healthcare workers who are interested in receiving the vaccine, and who have not yet done so, must register on the electronic system. Once registered, you will be allocated a vaccination and site to go for the vaccination.

I am regularly asked by members of the media and members of the public whether I will be getting vaccinated. I fully intend to get vaccinated, but I will not be doing so at the expense of our healthcare workers who have been on the frontline fighting Covid-19 for nearly a year now. They must be our priority. The entire Western Cape cabinet has made the same commitment to wait until it is our turn, in phases two and three of the vaccination rollout.

The rollout of this J&J vaccine implementation study is very exciting news but it does not mean we can let our guards down. We must continue to be vigilant and ensure that we are still wearing our masks correctly, washing our hands regularly and practicing social distancing. Avoiding crowds, close contact and confined spaces can help to prevent infection and protect you and your loved ones. 

Issued by Western Cape Office of the Premier, 22 February 2021