Update on the coronavirus and vaccines by Premier Alan Winde
As of 1pm on 10 May 2021, the Western Cape has 2357 active Covid-19 infections, with a total of 288 411 people having been infected with Covid-19 to date and 274 389 recoveries. A total of 72 020 vaccines received to date as part of the Sisonke trial have been administered by 5pm on 9 May 2021.
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Total confirmed number of people ever infected with Covid-19 in WC |
288 411 |
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Total recoveries |
274 389 |
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Vaccines administered |
72 020 |
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Total deaths |
11 665 |
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Total active cases (currently infected patients) |
2357 |
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Tests conducted |
1 559 832 |
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Hospitalisations |
763, of which 153 are in high care or ICU |
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The Western Cape has recorded 19 additional deaths since our last daily update on Friday, 7 May, bringing the total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the province to 11 665. These deaths did not occur in the last 24 hours but have been picked up part of our reporting mechanism to accurately report on our provincial situation. There has not been a spike in deaths over the past few days.
Additional data is available on the Western Cape Covid-19 data dashboard which also features active cases per sub-district, active cases per 100 000 and 7-day moving averages. Access the data dashboard here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard
#LetsDoThis vaccination drive: Premier Winde visits residents in Cape Winelands
Today, I visited the Stellcare Centre in Stellenbosch, and went door-to-door in Cloetesville, to encourage residents 60 years and older to register for their vaccines.
The visit forms part of the #LetsDoThis vaccination drive which aims to encourage residents to register for their vaccine ahead of the beginning of Phase 2 of the mass vaccination programme on 17 May. Please see photos attached.
Covid-19 has taken away so much from us over the last year, and we now finally have the opportunity to fight back, by getting this life-saving vaccine. However, we can only do this if we register for it, and that is why the next few weeks will be so important.
During my visit, I had the privilege of helping community members to register, as well as answering questions on why the vaccine is safe and effective.
One community member explained to me that she was scared of what was in the vaccine. By engaging with her, I explained that children get vaccines to protect them from all kinds of diseases, and this is the same with the Covid-19 vaccine. I then showed her how to register for the vaccine on her cellphone.
All Covid-19 vaccines in South Africa have been rigorously tested internationally and will have to be approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority before they are used in South Africa. The results of these big studies show us that the vaccine offers excellent protection against severe Covid-19 illness and death.
Asking these questions is important, and we must make sure every person has the right information at their disposal to make an informed decision.
I want to commend the Stellcare team on their efforts to ensure that elderly residents are registered for their vaccine and are informed about the rollout of the vaccine. I further want to commend the local Councillors and community members who are playing their part in doing the same.
If you are 60 years old or older, and you have not registered yet, please go and do so as soon as possible. If you are not 60 yet, but know someone who is, help them to get onto the database.
You can do so by visiting www.westerncape.gov.za and clicking on the link to register, or dialing the free USSD code *134*832#.
Western Cape, the time is here! #LetsDoThis.
103-year-old among elderly group registered for vaccine in Delft
The Provincial Minister for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, together with nurses and community healthcare workers also registered elderly community members in Delft today ahead of the phase two vaccine rollout programme. Please see photos attached.
Among the group of elderly people registered was 103-year-old Nosayinete Cetyiwe from the Delft South community, who joined at least 29 other elderly community members to sign up for their jab at the Masimanyane for Aged, Disabled and Child Educare Centre.
Among those registered on the EVDS system was Margaret Tontsi. Ms Tontsi says she has decided to take the vaccine as she doesn’t want to become seriously ill. “I am afraid of the Coronavirus. I have heard from people who have taken the injection (vaccine) and they’ve said it will protect them from becoming very ill. I have seen what Covid-19 has done to our communities. I was sad. But I am happy that myself and nobody in my family has contracted the virus, not even flu. So, I will take the injection to keep safe.”
Secretary of the Delft Seniors’ Forum Jessica Daniels, who is a 63-year-old resident from Delft, joined elderly community members who registered for vaccination. Ms Daniels says she’s heard many negative stories about the vaccine but has faith.
“I am taking this vaccine. It’s something good and I think it’s here to help us. I have heard stories about the vaccine and how it won’t work, but I know it can help us. In my opinion, whatever happens will happen. I am going to pray and have faith that this will protect me and my family.”
During the registration drive, elderly community members received care packs, which included blankets, scarves, gloves, beanies and masks. The care packs were donated from the Oceana Group and the Government of Taiwan. The elderly group often gathers at the centre which support the community and was founded by a former security guard, Ms Sibongile Mgoqi.
Ms Mgoqi has a heart for the community and welcomed the support to register the elderly. “We provide meals here and other support to the elderly. We also assist the elderly who may have grandchildren they are caring for. We are grateful for the help to register the elderly today for the vaccine.”
