WESTERN CAPE NEWS - During my digital press conference today, it was explained that we are continuing to see a slow and gradual decline in our third wave.

While this is welcomed, I urge residents to continue practicing the lifesaving behaviours that we have learnt during the pandemic to prevent infections in the coming weeks. There are still many people infected with COVID-19, and so the risk of getting infected by this deadly virus remains high.

Insofar as our provincial healthcare platform is concerned:

• The reproduction or “R” number is currently 1.0 which means that for every 10 cases, there are an additional 10 infections.
• The proportion of positive COVID-19 tests has decreased slightly to an average of 36.1%.
• We are currently seeing an average of 3002 new diagnoses each day. This is has increased slightly from 2861 cases as reported on 19 August. This increase is attributed to delays in data caused by the public holiday and back-dated data capturing.
• Admissions and deaths have decreased slightly with an average of 295 new admissions and around 93 deaths each day. This is down from 320 admissions and 100 deaths as reported on 19 August.

“Our health platform continues to cope amid prolonged third wave”

The third wave has been much longer than the second wave, and in some sub-districts, its peak exceeded that of the second wave.

Despite these pressures, our healthcare platform has continued to cope. This was made possible by tailoring our response to the expected demands of the third wave. Our response is further informed by clearly identified trigger points that have allowed us to be prepared for the demand.

Insofar as our acute service platform is concerned:

• There are currently 3487 COVID-19 patients in our acute hospitals (1944 in public hospitals and 1543 in private hospitals). This excludes persons under investigation and cases in specialised hospital settings.
• The combined public-private oxygen utilisation is now 76 tonnes a day or 101.3% of the maximum production capacity at the Afrox Western Cape plant.
• In addition to the increased production capacity at the Western Cape plant, around 22 tonnes of oxygen are being transported into the province by tankers.
• COVID-19 intermediate care: the Brackengate Hospital of Hope currently has 289 patients Mitchells Plain Hospital of Hope has 132 patients (an additional ward had been opened), and Sonstraal currently has 65 patients.
• The Metro mass fatality centre has capacity for 240 bodies. There are currently 32 decedents in the facility.
• The total general bed use rate is at 88%, with the total COVID-19 bed use rate at 66%.

Insofar as our drainage areas are concerned:

• The Metro has 5065 beds, of which the general bed use rate is 99%, the COVID-19 bed use rate is 73%;
• The George drainage area has 918 beds, of which the general bed use rate is 58%, the COVID-19 bed use rate is 51%;
• The Paarl drainage area has 998 beds, of which the general bed use rate is 75%; the COVID-19 bed use rate is 78%; and
• The Worcester drainage area has 769 beds, of which the general bed use rate is 68%, the COVID-19 bed use rate is 37%.

“Auditor General audit commends Western Cape vaccination programme”

The Western Cape Government’s vaccine programme was recently audited by the Auditor General who provided excellent feedback on the programme, further publishing a communication on it as an example of best practice.

During the audit, a focus was placed on:

• Planning and management of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out programme;
• Availability of relevant resources at the vaccination site;
• Stock management and monitoring systems at the vaccination site;
• Administration of COVID-19 vaccines at the vaccination site; and
• Disposal of medical waste at the vaccination site.

The Auditor General explained: “In performing the audit on the COVID-19 vaccination programme at the Western Cape Department of Health, we did not identify shortcomings/audit findings.”

This speaks to the immense efforts of the Western Cape Government, through its Provincial Department of Health, in ensuring an effective vaccine rollout programme. I commend each and every individual who has played their part in this comprehensive programme.

“Western Cape administers over 200 000 vaccines in a week”

The Western Cape has exceeded its weekly vaccination targets. Between 16 and 22 August or week 14, we administered 202 546 vaccines against a target of 180 000.

This week, we are on track to achieve our target again having administered 149 556 vaccines between 23 and 25 August alone.

To date, we have administered over 1.8 million vaccines to residents in the province and are committed to ensuring that no person is left behind in our vaccine rollout.

We have scaled up our vaccination capacity to administer vaccines to over 50 000 people a day and we now have the supply to continue doing so.

By 24 August 2021, we had received 1 859 895 vaccines doses which include 1 579 230 doses of Pfizer and single-doses 280 665 of Jonson & Johnson. Of which, 1 837 310 vaccines have been administered.

Through the Provincial Department of Health, we have brought online 194 cumulative public vaccination sites between 23 and 27 August. This includes 74 vaccine sites in the Metro and 120 vaccine sites in rural settings. We aim to scale these sites up to full capacity, or 290 public sites province wide.

In the private sector, there are 141 cumulative vaccination sites. Of which, 90 are in the Metro and 51 are in rural settings. Private sites include a limited number of private sector hospitals, retail pharmacies and independent pharmacies.

I call on those who have already been vaccinated to act as vaccine ambassadors, encouraging those who have not yet done so to get vaccinated. Please tell them about your positive experience and how they can get their vaccine.

To the young people of this province – please bring those elderly family members or friends, who have not yet been vaccinated, along with you when you get vaccinated. This will help increase our numbers and improve access for some residents who have not yet had an opportunity to get vaccinated.

“Healthcare professionals call on Western Cape residents to get vaccinated”

Our healthcare workers have been at the coalface during the pandemic, saving thousands of lives since March last year. Many are tired and have suffered emotional and physical strain as a result.

Their impassioned call to the residents of the Western Cape is simple: get vaccinated so that we can reduce pressure on our hospitals and deaths in the fourth wave.

Among those healthcare workers is Dr Roland Kroukamp who joined the weekly digital press conference today to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

Dr Kroukamp explains: “This virus has taken so much from us already. Many healthcare workers are exhausted. Each time we lose a patient to COVID, we feel we’ve failed – despite our very best efforts. Please, if you haven’t already, get vaccinated so that you do not land up in our hospitals or ICUs, and so that you can protect those around you.”

I call on residents to play their part and help our healthcare workers who are saving lives and who are the backbone of our healthcare system.

In turn, the Western Cape Government will continue to support its healthcare workers through its numerous programmes.

One of the most important ways we are supporting our healthcare workers is by ensuring that our workforce is vaccinated. To date, we have vaccinated a total of 69.75% of our healthcare workers.

In terms of workforce planning, we have:

• Appointed 831 additional staff for COVID-19;
• Appointed 1398 healthcare workers and support staff which includes 583 interns for the Vaccination Drive;
• Extended contracts until the end of September and December to ensure continued staff capacity in anticipation of the fourth wave; and
• 770 applicant posts which can still be appointed, if needed.

In terms of vaccination training, we have:

• 6209 registered vaccinators on health platform; and
• 4155 trained vaccinators to date.

In terms of protecting our healthcare workers’ wellbeing, we have:

• Increased advocacy through the employee wellbeing programme;
• Provided PPE and are improving health and safety practices;
• Driving internal communication and engagements with our staff; and
• Provided 2 special leave days to staffers to promote rest and recuperation.

“Let’s get vaccinated so that we can move forward”

I call on residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that we can save lives, and get our economy growing again.

COVID-19 has taken away so much from us all, and the vaccine remains the best way to once again see the people we love, do the things we love, and go to the places we love.

It provides excellent protection against severe COVID-19 infection, which leads to hospitalisation and death. If you are unsure about whether you should get vaccinated, call your doctor, or visit a clinic and ask them for their advice.

Please also remember that we are still in a period of high risk as COVID-19 infections remain high. Please:

• Wear your mask properly, covering your nose and mouth.
• Wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
• Avoid crowded places, confined spaces and close contact.
• Keep your gatherings short, small and outdoors – with lots of ventilation.
• Get vaccinated when it is your turn.
• Stay home if you feel sick. If you have any difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical treatment.
• Help protect those at highest risk – especially those who are older, and those with comorbidities.
• Continue to protect your family bubble.

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