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Coronavirus

02 August 2021 Media Release: “EHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high note”

Media Release: “EHPs ends off Madiba Month on a high note”

For Immediate Release
02  August 2021

In honour of the legacy of the late former President Nelson Mandela, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) George Office, in collaboration with the Western Cape Government Department of Health (WCDOH), devoted 67 minutes of their time to educate visitors at the Blanco Clinic for Madiba Day.

To demonstrate their commitment and dedication to protecting public health during the current Covid-19 pandemic, these men and women conducted health & hygiene education and awareness sessions for the patients visiting the clinic.

EHPs rolled out this initiative while adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. They distributed buffs and educational pamphlets for later use and to emphasise that the only way to protect them against COVID-19 is by:

  • Proper hand-wash practices;
  • Wear a mask in public that covers the nose and mouth; and
  • To keep social distancing of at least 1, 5 m.

Mandela Day is a global call-to-action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. This year’s Mandela Day campaign message was, “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years. We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes.”

26 July 2021 Media Release: Health platform update 26 July 2021

Media Release: Health platform update 26 July 2021

The Garden Route District had a 29% increase in new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago. All sub-districts had percentage increases, except Mossel Bay which has essentially maintained the status quo.  Hessequa and Bitou has had the biggest percentage increases.  The new cases are widespread with many household clusters.  The total number of positive patients for the district on 26 July 2021 was 48 297.  (One week ago it was 45 017). There are now 922 active cases per 100 000.  (One week ago it was 830.)  There are now a total of 1 706 deaths.  This is regretfully an increase of 97 since the report of last week.  This is a high number and reflects the very difficult position hospitals are in at the moment for staff who have to manage this and the trauma and grief that many families and friends have to bear.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital is now under severe pressure.  On 26 July, the hospital had  97 Covid patients, of whom 24 were in Critical Care.

Harry Comay Hospital, as step-down facility for George Hospital, is under pressure.  There are now 27 patients in the two wards, which is the maximum capacity with the available staff.  Additional measures have been put in place to accommodate more patients.  All district hospitals are very busy with an increase in admissions. The supply of oxygen to hospitals has dramatically increased and meticulous monitoring of available oxygen and ordering is being done.

Vaccination programme

100-year-old Mrs Wilkinson received her vaccination at Knysna Town Hall on 20 July 2021. With her in the photo is son Rodney(right) and Zoswa(left) from Lifeline.

The Garden Route has administered 90 139 vaccines to date.  We currently have 35 active public sites.

The EVDS system is accepting registration and scheduling appointments for 35+ year old.

Our priority for walk-ins remains the same in principle.

Priority 1: People 60 years and older requiring their 1st and 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 2: People aged 50-59 years requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Priority 3. People aged 35 – 49 requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

Please note that vaccinations on the day will be guided by local demand at that specific site. To register visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ or go to www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link to register or  WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600123456 or Dial *134*832# from any SA network for free.

Vaccination sites for week 26 – 30 July 2021.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 26 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 26 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 27 – 30 July
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 26, 29, 30 July
Knysna sub-district Karatara Satellite Clinic 26-Jul
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 30
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 26, 28, 30
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek Clinic 29
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic 26 – 30
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 27-Jul
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 26 – 30 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 26 – 30 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 26 -30 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 26 -30  July
George sub-district Farm Mobile Outreach 26 -30 July
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 26 -30 July
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 26 – 30 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 27, 28, 30
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 29, 30
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 28
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 26, 27, 29, 30
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 30
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 28
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 27
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 26, 27 July
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 28-Jul
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 29-Jul
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 26, 28, 29, 30 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Mobile Outreach 26, 28, 29 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 26 – 30 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 27-Jul
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 29-Jul
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 26 – 30 July

COVID-19 stats as of 26 July 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 236 153 2 978 105
George 18 209 2 719 14 900 590
Hessequa 2 886 435 2 326 125
Kannaland 1 191 141 995 55
Knysna 6 159 545 5 432 182
Mossel Bay 11 492 1 324 9 852 316
Oudtshoorn 5 124 389 4 402 333
Sub-total 48 297 5 706 40 885 1 706

-END-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

5 July 2021 Media Release: GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated

Media Release:  GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated

06 July 2016
For immediate release

The Garden Route District Municipality’s  (GRDM) Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, was one of the first 50 years plus residents of Mossel Bay to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, 1 July 2021.

According to a very excited Alderlady Ruiters, the overall process from start to finish went very well-ordered. “I need to comment the Western Cape Department of Health for the smooth, professional and safe manner in which the vaccination process was conducted. No long lines, with friendly, tolerant and helpful staff, skilled to make everybody feel at ease,” she said.

Alderlady Ruiters urges residents in the District who are 50 years and older, who have not registered on the EVDS system yet, to please do so.  The SMS appointment notifications to people over the age of 50 who have successfully registered had commenced on Friday, 2 July 2021, and scheduled appointments followed from Monday, 5 July 2021.

Let us all work together towards flattening the curve of the wave by protecting ourselves and others – wearing a mask in public, wash hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.  Always keep a safe distance and, where possible, avoid crowded places.

5 July 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update 5 July 2021

For Immediate Release
5 July 2021

The Garden Route District has seen a 95 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.  The district had an increase of 2 311 new cases the past 7 days. All sub-districts had large percentage increases.

District hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions, especially Mossel Bay Hospital. George Hospital continues to admit a large number of patients with COVID-19. The hospital currently has 44 COVID-19 patients of which 15 are in high care. All sub-districts are de-escalating non-essential services to cope with the increased load at primary health care facilities and hospitals.

COVID-19 stats as of 5 July 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 029 115 2 811 103
George 14 277 1 433 12 373 471
Hessequa 2 278 190 1 974 114
Kannaland 997 71 877 49
Knysna 5 367 350 4 850 167
Mossel Bay 9 412 1 188 7 978 246
Oudtshoorn 4 532 243 3 985 304
Sub-total 39 892 3 590 34 848 1 454

 

Vaccination roll-out

A total of 46 902 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

Registration for people 50 years and older frequently asked questions:

Has registration opened for people of 50 years and older?

Yes, people 50 years and older who want to receive the vaccine can now register on the available platforms.

Will people aged 50 – 59 years receive their appointments now?

Yes, the EVDS system will start allocating available appointments as from 5 July 2021.

What about people of 60 years and older who have still not received their 2nd SMS, will they be prioritised?

Yes, people aged 60 years and older will be prioritised over those of 50 – 59 years. We ask that those older than 60 who have not received their first dose to please come to a vaccination site as a walk-in, where they will receive their vaccination.

Will people of 60 years and older who must receive their second dose be prioritised over people aged 50 – 59 years?  Yes, our current priority is those above 60 years, for both their first and second dose of the vaccination.

Will sites assist walk-in people aged 50 – 59 years who are registered?  Yes, if the site has enough vaccines, you will be assisted. However, those with appointments will be assisted first.

 

The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 5 – 9 July.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 5, 8, 9
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 9
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Clinic 5 – 9 July
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek clinic 8
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 5, 9
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 6
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George & Herald Mobile Routes 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 9
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 5  –  9 July
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 5 – 9 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 6, 7 , 9
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 5, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 7
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 5, 6, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 5 ,9
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 8
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 6
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 5
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 7
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 8,9
Kannaland sub-district Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Hartenbos NG Kerksaal outreach 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Rheebok outreach 5
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 6
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 8
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 5 – 9 July

Disclaimer: Dates and sites are subject to change.

ENDS

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

25 June 2021 Media Release: Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

Media Release: release: Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

For Immediate Release
25 June 2021

Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas

The Garden Route district will receive a larger vaccine allocation as from next week.  The increased vaccine allocation will address the slow roll-out experienced to date, due to limited vaccine supply from National Government.

With the increased allocation of vaccines we will be able to open more appointment slots at our vaccination sites and therefore vaccinate more people. We understand the frustration and anxiety experienced at large to be vaccinated,  especially with increasing COVID-19 cases in our District.

“We are pleased to confirm that the Garden Route district is earmarked to receive an additional 7948 doses on top of the confirmed 12 157 that we expect to receive for the week 28 June – 2 July. This is significantly more vaccines compared to our allocation for the past 2 weeks”, said District Director, Mr Zee Brickles.

Updated testing criteria

We have revised our testing criteria and the following categories will be eligible for COVID-19 testing.

All those with coronavirus symptoms AND at least 1 of the following:

  • Needing hospital admission.
  • At high risk of severe disease (age > 45 years, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV).
  • clusters in group settings such as old age/care homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, hostels, prisons, etc.
  • health care workers.

Hospital Visitations

Allowing patients to be visited by their loved ones during their stay in hospital is an essential part of their recovery and wellness. Having an escort present during a visit to an emergency unit and an outpatient clinic, is reassuring for many patients and essential for other patients such as young children. Similarly, the pain and anxiety of labour can be eased by having a partner present. Despite the benefits of having visitors and escorts, the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 infection during the high prevalence of a third wave, outweighs the benefits of having loved ones present, and hence visitors and escorts have to be severely restricted.

Western Cape Government Health can confirm that the visitation policy at public hospitals was amended on 21 June to accommodate the changes in alert levels in the Covid-19 pandemic in the province. The restrictions on visitors and escorts, are aimed at ensuring that our patients, families, visitors and staff are protected against transmission during the third wave. Depending on the nature of the service of particular facilities, specific arrangements have been put in place. Should you or a family member need to visit a hospital, please establish which specific arrangements are in place at that facility. We urge the public to please respect these new arrangements. Although we know it is challenging for many visitors and patients we must be responsible and protect one another.

Keep your bubbles small

Now is not the time to socially interact with people outside of your immediate family bubble (those living in the same household). The more interactions you and your immediate family members have outside of your immediate family bubble, the greater the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. If you have to meet someone do so outdoors or indoors where there is good ventilation. Remember to always wear your mask when in public.

Vaccination sites 28 June – 2 July.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 28 – 2 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna CDC 30, 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 30, 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 1, 2
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 2
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Clinic 29,30 1, 2
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek clinic 01-Jul
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula CDC 30, 2
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 29
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district George & Herald Mobile Routes 28 June – 2 July
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 2
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 1,2
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 29 June – 2 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 29, 30, 2
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 1 , 2
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 30
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 29, 1 , 2
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 2
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 30
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 30
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 29
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 30
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 1, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma CDC 29, 30, 1, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 30, 2
Mossel Bay sub-district Friemersheim outreach 1
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 29, 30
Mossel Bay sub-district Rheebok outreach 30
Mossel Bay sub-district Bosbou & Brandwag outreach 29
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 29, 30
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 29 June – 2 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 29
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 1

 

ENDS

 

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

14 June 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update

For Immediate Release
14 June 2021

The Garden Route District had a 110% increase in new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago.

All sub-districts had large increases except for Oudtshoorn with a minimal increase and Kannaland which remained unchanged.

The new cases are widespread with some household clusters. It is important that we all play our part in curbing the spread. All situations are being actively monitored.

Stats as of 14 June 2021.

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 2868 43 2 724 101
George 12513 279 11 779 455
Hessequa 2037 40 1 889 108
Kannaland 917 8 863 46
Knysna 4948 55 4 735 158
Mossel Bay 7900 282 7 406 212
Oudtshoorn 4239 69 3 872 298
Sub-total 35422 776 33 268 1 378

Vaccine roll-out

A total of 20 653 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

The Department received a lesser allocation of vaccines this week from the national government, which has impacted the number of people we will be able to vaccinate this week.

We are however still planning to open more sites after which more appointment slots will become available, and hence more system generated SMSs will be sent to assign registered people to specific sites with available appointment slots.

We have noted a lot of queries regarding the appointment system. Appointments for vaccinations are automatically scheduled by the National Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). The system checks in a sequential manner who registered first in a specific area, and assigns appointments to them based on available slots at sites close to that area. If you would like to confirm your registration or make changes to your details please visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za. You can also access this link on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za.

What to bring with you when going for your vaccination

Please remember to bring along your ID, passport, or asylum document when coming for your vaccine.

If you belong to a medical aid, please take your medical aid card or details with you.

At the vaccination site, there will be signage directing you where to go. You will be screened according to COVID-19 protocol.

Once inside, your details will be confirmed. The health workers at the vaccination station will ask you for consent, will explain what they are going to do, and will ask if you have any allergies or medical conditions. This is an important part of the process.

After your vaccination, you will be asked to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes so that staff can make sure you do not experience any severe allergic reactions. If you received the first jab of a 2-dose vaccine, you will get a follow-up appointment via SMS. You will also receive a proof of vaccination card.

The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 14 – 18 June.

Mossel Bay D’Almeida Community Hall PUBLIC 14, 15
Mossel Bay Alma CDC PUBLIC 14, 15, 17 ,18
Mossel Bay Wolwedans Community Hall PUBLIC 18
Mossel Bay Mossel Bay Town Hall PUBLIC 15
Bitou Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic PUBLIC 17
Bitou Kwanokuthula CDC PUBLIC 18
George Harry Comay TB Hospital PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George Thembalethu CDC PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George George Central Clinic PUBLIC 14,15, 17, 18
George Uniondale Hospital PUBLIC 15, 17, 18
George Pacaltsdorp Clinic PUBLIC 17,18
Hessequa Riversdale Civic Centre PUBLIC 15, 17 ,18
Hessequa Witsand de Duine Hall PUBLIC 15,
Hessequa Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall PUBLIC 15, 18
Hessequa Albertinia Theronsville Hall PUBLIC 17,18
Hessequa Stilbaai Civic Centre PUBLIC 15, 17, 18
Hessequa Slangrivier Satellite Clinic PUBLIC 18
Kannaland Ladismith DRC Church Hall PUBLIC 15
Kannaland Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall PUBLIC 17
Knysna Knysna Town Hall PUBLIC 18
Knysna Sedgefield Clinic PUBLIC 17
Oudtshoorn Oudtshoorn Hospital PUBLIC 17, 18
Oudtshoorn Dysselsdorp Clinic PUBLIC 15
Oudtshoorn De Rust(Blommenek) Clinic PUBLIC 17

Please remember that we prioritise those who are registered and have received their appointment.  No active sites on the 16th which is a public holiday.

 

ENDS

 

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

7 May 2021 Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine

For Immediate Release
6 May 2021

Phase 1 of the Sisonke Vaccination programme will conclude on 15 May 2021. All healthcare workers both private and public have the opportunity to get their vaccination. Remember to register on the EVDS system. https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/

Not sure if you qualify? Please see the following categories below.

Beneficiaries: Nurses (all categories), Medical doctors (all categories and specialisations), Dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists, Clinical associates, Community health workers / liaison and development officers employed by provincial Departments of Health, Environmental Health practitioners (working for municipalities and provincial Departments of Health), Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants (fully registered/post-basic /basic), Radiographers, Emergency Medical Practitioners, Allied health staff (physiotherapists/occupational therapists /psychologists /optometrists /speech therapists /audiologists /biokinetics /nutritionists /dieticians), Registered occupational health staff, Clinical and medical technologists at clinical laboratory services, Clinical and medical technologists at forensic medical laboratory services, Blood Transfusion Services laboratory technicians, Staff working in forensic mortuaries, Orthotists /prosthetists/podiatrists, Alternative medicine practitioners (homeopaths/osteopaths/chiropractors), Medical/dental /nursing /pharmacy students that are on the clinical training platform, Staff working at national and provincial health departments and district health offices, Officials employed by National Port Health Authorities, Health staff at Department of Correctional Services, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS), Cleaners/housekeeping staff at health establishments and care facilities, Security services at health establishments and care facilities, Administrative staff at health establishments and care facilities, Staff working in student health services at TVETs and HEIs, Funeral workers (formal funeral homes and volunteers from registered burial societies), Registered traditional healers.

Please take note of the sites, dates and contact person for vaccinations.

The contacts below are available on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.

Vaccination site and dates: OUDTSHOORN HOSPITAL: 5 May

Contact person: Oudtshoorn

Sanet van Meersbergen; (044) 803 2464

Contact person: Kannaland

Maryna September: (028) 551 1010/1667/1342

Vaccination site and dates: ALMA CDC(MOSSEL BAY) 6, 7, 11,12 May

Contact person: Hessequa

Ilze Charles: (028) 713 8640

Contact person: Mossel Bay

Lida Swart: (044) 601 1915

Vaccination site and dates: PLETT TOWN CLINIC 10, 11 May

Contact person: Knysna

Carmen Grobler: (044) 302 5201

Contact person: Bitou

Girlie Lubbe: (044) 501 5100

Vaccination site and dates: GEORGE HOSPITAL 10 May

Contact person: George

Bernicois Konig: (044) 803 2079

Private healthcare workers: If you have not yet, please request your appointment through your manager or one central person from a facility in order not to have multiple people engaging from the same facility. See above contact details for persons to contact.

On the day of vaccination, you need to bring along your ID, Proof that you are a healthcare worker and Sisonke Vaccination Voucher

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

12 March 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 12 March 2021

The Garden Route district has to date vaccinated 680 healthcare workers since the district’s roll-out of the vaccination plan on 3 March 2021 at George Hospital.

“We are happy to report that our first two weeks of vaccinations went without major hiccups and we have used 100% of the allocated vaccines. We also thank the staff who have received the vaccination, who despite experiencing mild side-effects, still showed up for work in order to provide a health service to our clients. It took effort and teamwork to set up the vaccination site at George Hospital. I would like to thank everyone involved, directly and indirectly for your contribution”, said District Director for Garden Route and Central Karoo districts, Mr Zee Brickles.

The overall intent of the vaccination roll-out is to prevent severe illness and death and to protect the health system. During Phase 1, healthcare workers are being targeted first, to ensure that we are able to vaccinate the most at risk healthcare workers first to ensure our readiness for a third wave. 

To date, the Western Cape received 25 960 vaccines in two tranches as part of the J&J/Sisonke implementation study: Tranche One (13 160) and Tranche Two (12 800).   

George Hospital remains the only vaccination site in the Garden Route as part of the Sisonke programme.

Planning for Phases 2 & 3

Phases 2 and 3 will cover larger numbers of residents and will include other frontline services, people in congregate settings, essential workers, those at risk due to age or comorbidity, and finally, in phase 3, the general adult population. We are working hard to put all the systems in place to roll out these phases as soon as approved vaccines arrive.   The current planning is for quarter 2, likely from May onwards.  

Register for vaccine 

During phase 1, only healthcare workers who wish to take up vaccination can register on the national Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS): https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za. Once registered they will be issued with a voucher indicating the vaccination site and date to go for the vaccination. Registered healthcare workers are asked to liaise with the relevant person at their workplace to book their appointment after they have received their voucher.  

Currently, we request non-healthcare staff not to register on the system. We will inform the public when they can start registering on the system.

Importance of vigilance 

We cannot become complacent. We want to remind the public of the need for continued COVID-19 vigilance in order to prevent a third wave.  Avoid crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces. Always wear a mask when in public, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, keep 1.5m apart, cover your cough and stay home when sick– this is the best way to prevent a third wave.

Garden Route Stats

Sub-district

Total

Active

Recovered

Died

Hessequa

1 936

18

1 818

100

Mossel Bay

7 266

18

7 039

209

George

11 736

148

11 165

423

Knysna

4 779

25

4 594

160

Bitou

2 717

4

2 606

107

Kannaland

865

13

812

40

Oudtshoorn

3 914

97

3 565

252

TOTAL

33 213

323

31 599

1 291

 

 END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay

Tel: 076 379 5423

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

15 February 2021 Media Release: Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

 

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

15 February 2021
For Immediate Release

Community Economic Recovery Project injects R3 million into the informal economy; provides food relief in Covid-19 hotspots

Today Premier Alan Winde and Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, visited Lingelethu Cash Store and Mpumi’s Kitchen, a spaza shop and community kitchen in Khayelitsha that are participants in the Community Economic Recovery Project.

Launched in September 2020, the Community Economic Recovery Project has provided 225 community kitchens in Covid-19 hotspots with digital vouchers every two weeks that are then spent at nearby participating spaza shops. To date over 135 spaza shops have participated in the project.

As a public-private partnership between the Western Cape Government, the DG Murray Trust and the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (EDP), the project supports vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 pandemic by injecting R3 million into the local economy between community kitchens and spaza shops.

Funding for the project has been jointly provided by the Western Cape Government who contributed R2 million and the DG Murray Trust who contributed R1 million, of which 100% will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the end of the project.

After meeting with those who have benefitted from the Community Economic Recovery Project, Premier Alan Winde said: “This project is an innovative way to support local businesses and ensure that we are responding to the humanitarian need in communities at the same time. Throughout the pandemic, the Western Cape Government has always balanced saving lives, with saving livelihoods, and this is just one of a number of ways we have helped to support businesses to continue to operate. This project encompasses two of our key priorities – supporting jobs and dignity and wellbeing.  In my SOPA address on Wednesday, I will be outlining more steps that this government will be taking in response to Covid-19, and to support businesses and grow the economy, and to promote dignity and wellbeing.”

In addition to benefiting communities in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, this initiative has also been implemented in other areas of Cape Town such as Atlantis, Elsies River and Mitchells Plain, and in other municipalities across the Western Cape including Breede Valley, Langeberg, Witzenberg, Drakenstein, Overberg, George and Mossel Bay.

Minister David Maynier thanked all the partners involved in the Community Economic Recovery Project, “This project is a great example of how the public and private sector, together with civil society, can partner quickly, effectively and innovatively in a time of crisis. I look forward to our continued efforts to work together to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy so that we can save businesses and save jobs in the Western Cape.”

Andrew Boraine, CEO of the EDP, said: “By focusing on an urgent social need, this programme has not only supported the retention of jobs in spaza shops by injecting cash into some of the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also provided food relief to vulnerable communities.  Working in collaboration with community kitchens and spaza shops has led to the creation of a dynamic network of entrepreneurs and civil society, from whom we have been able to learn valuable lessons about what is possible for future township economy programmes.”

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

Click here and download the Fact Sheet_Community Economic Recovery Project_210214

1 February 2021 Media Release: Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 01 February 2021

Release: immediately

 Procurement Disclosure Report reveals R1.85 billion spent on Covid-19  

We are pleased to publish the seventh edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report by Provincial Treasury which affirms our commitment to transparency and clean government in the Western Cape. This edition of the Procurement Disclosure Report confirms that to date R1.854 billion has been committed towards Covid-19 related expenditure across departments and public entities in the 2020/21 financial year in the Western Cape.

For the period 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020, provincial departments’ total Covid-19 expenditure was R1.851 billion, while provincial public entities’ spent R2.980 million.

A total of R869.660 million, or 46.89%, of all Covid-19 expenditure by provincial departments and public entities was spent with small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs), which exceeds the national target of 30%.

Total Covid-19 procurement expenditure for December 2020 amounted to R78,119 million, of which R78,055 million was spent by provincial departments and R64 332,61 by public entities.

Monthly reporting on all Covid-19 procurement expenditure transactions is available via the National Treasury Covid-19 dashboard with a summary report provided by the Provincial Treasury in the Procurement Disclosure Report.

To access the dashboard and the Procurement Disclosure Report, visit: www.westerncape.gov.za/provincial-treasury/procurement-disclosure-report.

For more information and to submit feedback or suggestion on improvements to the Public Disclosure Report please email to our Supplier Helpdesk.

 Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za

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