With an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, City Health urges residents to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of serious illness … whether it’s their first time or they’re due for their booster doses. Read more below:
Indications are that South Africa’s fifth wave of Covid-19 infections is imminent.
While it’s not clear how severe the wave will be, City Health urges residents to take every possible precaution to mitigate the risk of infection and serious illness.
‘Our concern is that this predicted wave comes during the colder months when there are fewer opportunities for outdoor gatherings, but also generally an increase in flu cases and other respiratory illnesses. It’s therefore imperative that the public continues to keep their guard up, and ensures that their vaccines are up to date,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
VACCINATIONS
More than 70% of persons in the Western Cape over the age of 60 have had their primary Covid-19 vaccination/s.
However, the number of persons presenting for booster doses is low.
‘I am very pleased with the efforts of City clinics who have administered nearly 300 000 vaccine doses. But there is more work to be done, particularly now that we are facing a fifth wave. Apart from concerns about the uptake of booster doses, we also need to get more jabs in arms of those aged between 12 and 34. While younger persons have generally shown to be less severely affected by Covid-19 infection, it is their proximity to older persons and those with comorbidities that should motivate them to get their vaccinations sooner rather than later,’ added Councillor Van der Ross.
ADVICE FOR MANAGING COVID/ILLNESS DURING WINTER
· Ensure that your Covid-19 vaccinations are up to date
· Get a flu vaccine, particularly if you are 65 and older, have a chronic condition, are expecting, or you work in the health sector
· Wear a mask at all times when indoors or in crowded spaces
· Ventilate indoor areas, particularly during gatherings
· Asymptomatic cases do not have to isolate (positive test, but no symptoms).You should do self-observations for seven days for the development of any symptoms with enhanced precautions, i.e. avoiding settings where many people gather, mask wearing; and social distancing.
· Symptomatic – Mild cases (not hospitalised) to isolate for seven days from date of first onset of symptoms (which is day 0). Can de-isolate after seven days, provided their fever has resolved and their symptoms are improving.
