24% decrease in new Covid infections

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route's downward trend in new Covid-19 infections follows that of the province. The district had a 24% decrease week on week in the number of daily reported cases up to 9 September, according to figures of the Western Cape Health Department.

As at Tuesday 14 September, the Garden Route had 2 683 active cases (3 329 a week ago): George 723, Bitou 264, Hessequa 231, Kannaland 91, Knysna 280, Mossel Bay 615 and Oudtshoorn 479.

In the week up to 14 September, 60 deaths were reported compared with a weekly average of 76 in the two weeks prior.

Dr Saadiq Kariem, chief director-general of specialist and emergency services in the Western Cape Department of Health, said during an online provincial update on Thursday 9 September that, although there is a decrease in cases, hospitalisations, oxygen use and deaths, the province is still not out of the third wave.

Targeting 70% vaccination by December

Kariem said the vaccine supply in the province is now "absolutely secure". The department aims to fully vaccinate at least 70% of people older than 50 by December, and in the age group 18 to 49 years, at least 70% with at least one dose.

A weekly target of 200 000 vaccinations should be maintained. As at 9 September, 32,8% of the adult population in the province had received at least one dose.

Vaccines' effect on hospitalisation, death

Kariem gave an overview of the effectiveness of vaccination against hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19 as found by an analysis of data led by Prof Mary-Ann Davies, director of the Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research at UCT.

They analysed data of cases diagnosed with Covid-19 in those over 60 years from 14 to 20 August, when the Western Cape was in its third wave peak.

The over 60 years age group was the first to receive vaccinations and presents the highest number of fully vaccinated people. In this group, 270 619 people (38% out of a population of 720 000) were fully vaccinated during this time.

The data shows the following about Covid-19 infections in those over 60 years:

Infection

2 455 contracted Covid-19.
2 245 or 92% of these were not vaccinated - 8% of infected people were vaccinated.

Hospitalisation

729 people over the age of 60 required hospitalisation.
699 or 96% were not vaccinated - 4% of those hospitalised were vaccinated.

Death

292 people over the age of 60 died due to Covid-19.
287 or 98,3% were not vaccinated and 1,7% who died, were vaccinated and died due to other complications and not the vaccine.

In the Garden Route, over 77% of 60-plussers have registered for the vaccine.

86 deaths not linked to vaccination

In a webinar hosted by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) about side-effects reported after Covid vaccination, the regulatory body said none of the 86 deaths that were reported to them could be linked to the Covid-19 vaccines.

Almost 15 million Covid vaccine doses have been administered nationally as at 13 September.

Prof Hannelie Meyer, chairperson of the SA Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, said district expert teams investigate reported cases of severe side-effects after vaccination. They consider the medical history of the patients as well as the investigation and autopsy reports. Meyer said none of these deaths could be linked to the vaccinations. Adverse events are reported by the public through the Med Safety app and by health professionals.

Only 2 770 adverse events have been reported in South Africa, which amounts to 0,02% of all doses administered.

The Western Cape Health Department hopes to fully vaccinate at least 70% of people over 50 years by December, and in the age group 18 to 49 years, at least 70% with at least one dose.

Pfizer approval for children

Sahpra last week approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine in children of 12 years and older.

Data analysed in the 60+ age group from 14 to 20 August show effectiveness of vaccination against hospitalisation and death.

Digital vaccine certificates

Heath Minister Joe Phaahla said on Friday 10 September that digital vaccine certificates were to be introduced for South Africans who are vaccinated against Covid-19. It will be made available through a person's smartphone and one can then also print a copy.

The vaccination certificates are in line with World Health Organisation standards and have been developed with fraud protection and other security measures. Phaahla said the certificate would probably be used for certain services in the future, but the government had no intention of making the certificate a requirement for accessing public services.

32,8% of the province's population has received at least one vaccine dose.