More vaccines for Garden Route

The Garden Route district received a larger vaccine allocation this week than before.

The district received an additional 7 948 doses on top of the confirmed 12 157 expected for the week of 28 June to 2 July, said Health Department district director Zee Brickles.

The increased vaccine allocation was to address the slow roll-out experienced to date, due to limited vaccine supply from national government.

Western Cape Health spokesperson Nadia Ferreira said with the increased allocation of vaccines, more appointments were available at vaccination sites.

The department understood the frustration and anxiety experienced by people at large over trying to be vaccinated, especially with increasing Covid-19 cases in the district, Ferreira said.

Updated testing criteria

The Western Cape has revised testing criteria and the following categories will be eligible for Covid-19 testing.

All those with Covid-19 symptoms and at least one 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 and HIV).

Clusters in group settings such as senior/ care homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, hostels and prisons.

Health care workers.

Keep your bubbles small

“Now is not the time to socially interact with people outside of your immediate family bubble of those living in the same household,” said Ferreira.

“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.”