GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The Western Cape Health Department encourages voluntary mask wearing where people have flu symptoms, those with underlying chronic conditions and the elderly.

It said in a statement on Friday 24 June masks have proven to be a protective measure against airborne diseases and have become part of everyday actions in several countries. 

"We too can continue with this protective behaviour voluntarily when in crowds and places where there is poor ventilation. Another simple action to navigate around airborne diseases is to ensure we open our windows and let lots of fresh air in."

The department stressed that the individual responsibility to live with COVID-19 is not "gone” and citizens should continue to be mindful of the vulnerable. 

The department also encouraged vaccination for COVID-19 and flu, and ongoing good ventilation and other good habit, saying vaccination offers the greatest protection against severe illness and death.

"We implore everyone 12 years and older to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, including their boosters. COVID is not gone, but we are learning to live with it, and vaccination is one of those ways we can live with it safely. 

"The vaccine provides protection against severe illness and death. Recent data shows that although there are continued new infections, we have had fewer admissions and deaths as before."

It said among COVID-19 cases diagnosed recently, vaccination provided strong protection with a 3,6 times lower risk of hospitalisation and death, if boosted, and a 4,3 times lower risk against severe admission (ICU/ventilation/steroids/death), if boosted.

To date, almost 5,5 million have been administrated leading to approximately 3 million people being vaccinated in the Western Cape. 

The province has achieved the target of 70% of those aged 60 years and older having received their full primary vaccination series and we now need to also increase the uptake amongst the other age groups.

Let’s continue to generate increased demand for unvaccinated persons and the take up of boosters for vaccinated persons. Find your nearest vaccination site here and get vaccinated or boosted today.

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