Sharp rise in infections should spur increased adherence to protocols during third wave

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department would like to remind residents to practise  Covid-19 hygiene protocols as the number of Covid-19 infections increase. Read more below:

The City’s Health Department confirmed that as at 18 June 2021 the metropole has recorded 191 624 cases since the start of the pandemic with 3 724 cases reported in the last seven days. This is a 68% increase in new cases recorded and it clearly shows that the City of Cape Town is experiencing the third wave of Covid-19 infections. Currently, there are 7 627 active cases of which 698 cases were diagnosed in the past 24 hours.

The City is recording a sharp increase in cases in the Eastern and Southern Health Districts and urges all residents to maintain non-pharmaceutical interventions to protect themselves from the virus. Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain Health Districts have not recorded a significant increase in active cases, however, we have noted an increase in Covid-19 testing at Public Primary Healthcare Facilities, which might change this picture soon.

Vaccinations conducted in the metropole amount to 250 726 across all vaccination sites.

‘It is in the interest of everyone to adhere to the national regulations and wear a mask at all times when in public places. Wearing a mask not only protects yourself,  but also your loved ones and fellow citizens, as well as those who share public spaces and public transport. We have seen a steep increase during the past week and we should all adjust our behaviour accordingly’, said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Unfortunately, the third wave coincides with the school holiday and wet, cold weather. Being in closed spaces with little ventilation increases the risk of spreading Covid-19. We  encourage parents and families to avoid indoor gatherings during the school holidays and try to take activities outdoors as much as possible. If one needs to be indoors due to bad weather, try to keep as much air flowing through the room by opening windows (and dressing warmly!). Keep gatherings small, with your immediate family rather than with bigger extended families or large groups of friends.

All residents over the age of 60 are encouraged to register for their Covid-19 vaccine.

The below table shows the suburbs with the lowest number of residents aged 60 and older who have registered for vaccination thus far.

Those who have not yet registered on the electronic vaccine data system, are encouraged to do so using the following options:

USSD free service: dial *134*832#

OR send the word “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp

OR visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za

Please note: Vaccination sites are scheduling clients three to seven days in advance. This may mean that your SMS confirmation may take some time to be sent, as it is dependent on venue capacity and vaccine availability. As additional resources become available, the waiting time should decrease.

Please wait to receive your SMS notification , confirming your vaccination date, time and venue, rather than opting for a walk-in service. This will reduce queues and ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Statement issued by City of Cape Town, 22 June 2021