“Update on COVID-19 and phase 2 of the Western Cape’s vaccination programme”
Earlier this week, the Western Cape Government launched the second phase of its vaccination programme in the Western Cape, marking a turning point in our fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 has taken away so much from us over this last year, and vaccines now provide us with the best possible weapon to eventually defeat the virus and save many lives.
While we still have a long way to go, there is no doubt in my mind that hope is making a come-back in the Western Cape.
“The Western Cape’s approach of scaling up is starting to take shape, and will gain momentum in the weeks ahead”
As I announced last week, the Western Cape’s approach in the first week of the mass vaccination programme is to first start with a smaller group of eligible residents at a smaller number of vaccination sites, to test the system, and to ensure a smooth process going forward.
This approach has already started to take shape, bringing online 10 additional sites on Tuesday, resulting in 18 sites now operational in the Western Cape during this first week.
This scale-up has also resulted in the more than doubling of vaccines being administered per day in the last three days alone, with 729 residents over the age of 60 getting their vaccine on Monday, increasing to 1558 yesterday alone. We expect this trend to continue.
On Monday, additional sites will be brought online again, and this will be communicated once those details are finalised.
“Scheduling of SMSs now being down by local teams, with the objective of 3-day lead time”
The Western Cape’s Department of Health has been given control over the scheduling of SMSs as of yesterday, which will now allow our local teams to control the distribution of SMSs in the province.
Our teams will aim to provide a 3-day lead time, going forward, so that residents have enough time to get to their vaccination site. We will also make sure that sites are selected close to where the person resides.
We understand there were some instances where residents missed their appointment because sites generated by the national scheduling were too far away. This localised approach to scheduling will prevent this from happening again.
If you did miss your appointment, you will still be able to get your vaccine and a new date by contacting the following number to reschedule: 0800 029 999.
“Private vaccination sites starting to come online in the Western Cape”
I welcome the coming online of private sector vaccination sites in the Western Cape.
The private sector is a valuable partner in our efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible, and we hope many more will also assist going forward.
As confirmed in the media yesterday, the Clicks Pharmacy group has brought on the following sites as of yesterday:
- Constantia
- Tygervalley
- Westcoast Village
- Blue Route
- Paarl Mall
- Vredendal Mall
- Edgemead
Mediclinic will also bring online private vaccination sites as of 24 May 2021.
The sites are:
- Cape Gate
- Milnerton
- Geneva Hospital
- Vergelegen Hospital
It is important to note that these sites operate like all others in terms of scheduling. You must be registered on the national EVDS system, and you must be invited to the site, like all others.
Like with public sites, you cannot arrive at a private sector site and expect to be vaccinated without first being scheduled by the local team and invited accordingly.
“Vaccine registrations are picking up, but we need everyone’s help to register those who don’t have access to the internet”
The percentage of residents over the age of 60 years old who have registered for their vaccine has increased from 27% to 37% since last week’s digital press conference. This is a positive increase, but it is not enough, as we need to reach 60% of all residents as soon as possible.
From my door-to-door #LetsDoThis vaccination drive this week, it is becoming clear that there is high demand for the vaccine, but many people do not know how or don’t have the ability to register for it.
Our initial registration data is also showing that in some areas, poorer communities have extremely low vaccination registration numbers.
No person should be left behind in the vaccination programme because they can’t register for their vaccine.
I am therefore making a public call today for you to help register someone in your family or community who is 60 years and older. It is quick and easy and will possibly help save their lives.
I also call on the business community to avail staff to help register people who visit their stores or establishments.
We are all in this together. So, let's stand together, and #LetsDoThis, Western Cape.
