West Coast feels full brunt of Covid-19
COASTAL villages on the West Coast have been devastated by the Covid-19 third wave. Among them is the small town of Doringbaai.
With a population of about 1 300, Doringbaai has recorded 67 confirmed positive cases and five Covid-19 related deaths. There are 10 active cases.
Resident and founding member of community organisation Coastal Links, Hambile “Papa Chocolate” Rholoma, died from Covid-19 last week.
Coastal Links was established in 2003, with structures in the Western and Northern Cape.
It is used as a vehicle for small-scale fishers to secure their livelihoods and overall human rights.
Coastal Links member Peter Owies said: “Papa Chocolate was a dear friend of mine. We were together when Coastal Links began. We were among the first members. He gave of himself selflessly in everything he did. He personified the struggle of small-scale fishers in the Western Cape and dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of fishers. He was never afraid to speak out against injustice.”
Communication officer at Civic organisation Masifundise, Sibongiseni Gwebani, said the third wave was affecting coastal towns harshly.
“The infection rate statistics in the West Coast are a cause for serious concern. We implore Coastal Links and the small-scale fishing communities in their entirety to comply with all Covid-19 precautions,” he said.
West Coast District’s provincial health department spokesperson, Leensie Lötter, confirmed that Doringbaai had 67 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases, and five Covid-19 related deaths.
“The key message to convey is that we all can contribute to fewer deaths, fewer infections, irrespective of where we find ourselves. We all can help in flattening the impact by continuing to adhere to safety measures, whether indoors or outdoors.
“While the number of active cases are being monitored in Doringbaai, there had been two outreaches for Covid-19 vaccinations by the sub-district’s roving team – the first on June 29, and then again last week on July 15,” Lötter said.
Meanwhile, the province has reached 300 000 vaccine registrations in four days, putting it on track to reach 1 million registrations soon, Premier Alan Winde said yesterday.
As registration for the 35 to 49-year age bracket recently opened, Winde said they had still registered residents in the over 50 age bracket who had yet to receive the first dose of the vaccine, and an even larger proportion in the over 60s bracket, who still needed their second dose.
“To give you an idea of our capacity, with current supplies given to us, we are currently able to administer about 150 000 vaccinations a week.
“But this includes second doses, which must be given six weeks after the first dose.
“Six weeks ago (the week of May 31 to June 4), the Western Cape vaccinated approximately 70 000 people, who will now also be needing a second dose. We must ensure proper planning for this, so that no one is left behind,” he said.