Pemier Alan Winde updates on coronavirus and vaccines, 22 June

Update on the coronavirus and vaccines by Premier Alan Winde

As at 1pm on 22 June 2021, the Western Cape had 12 695 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number of 310 743 COVID-19 cases to date and 285 946 recoveries.

The Western Cape has recorded 38 additional deaths since our last daily update on Monday, 21 June, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the province to 12 102. It should be noted that the total number is inclusive of historical deaths which have recently been updated. We send our condolences to the loved ones of those who have passed.

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. To view the Dashboard, visit: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-dashboard(link is external)

You can also view the Western Cape Government’s vaccine registration dashboard by visiting: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine-dashboard(link is external)

Let’s stay safe and protect our loved ones

It is important to continue being safe and shielding those who are vulnerable.

It is therefore very important during this time that those residents who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 related illness take extra precautions to keep themselves safe and those around them.

You must avoid all social gatherings over this time, remember to always wear a mask when with other people, and keep a safe distance if in public. Always have your windows open to ensure lots of fresh air.

If you know someone who is a high risk in your family or friendship circle, please also think of them and their health. You can help by wearing your mask, washing your hands often, and keep a safe distance. Avoid social gatherings, and if you must meet, keep it small, short and outside.

Let’s stay strong, and stay safe, together.

The Western Cape Education Department and Western Cape Department of Health to begin vaccine rollout on Wednesday, 23 June

The Western Cape Education Department has welcomed the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines for the education sector, including independent schools. These Johnson and Johnson doses have now arrived in our province for rollout from Wednesday 23 June 2021 in the Metro and from 25 June 2021 in Non-Metro districts, in the Western Cape.

The Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, said: “Vaccines are a vital tool in our fight against COVID-19. It is crucial that we avoid any further disruptions to our school calendar, as our learners are already suffering serious learning losses from the past year. The impact of these losses will be felt by our learners and the economy for many years to come. Vaccinating our staff will reduce the risk of them becoming seriously ill and make our schools safer places, giving us the confidence to return all our schools to normal timetabling.”

I encourage all those eligible in the education sector to take up this opportunity and to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Visitors and escorts at hospitals to be restricted following increase in infections during third wave

The Provincial Department of Health has amended its visitation policy at public hospitals on Monday, 21 June, limiting visitors and escorts.

The purpose of this amendment is to protect patients, families, visitors and staff from COVID-19 infection and transmission during the third wave. While we fully understand that visitors and escorts play a significant role in the wellbeing of patients, we also need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our hospitals to save lives. These restrictions will be reviewed as soon as the third wave is over.

Should you or a family member need to visit a hospital, please find out more about the restrictions at that particular facility.

We thank you for your patience and understanding during this extremely difficult time.

Source: Government of South Africa