The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has encouraged eligible residents to register for the vaccine, while those over 60 are encouraged to go to vaccination sites regardless of whether they’ve registered or received an SMS.
Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for community services and health, said: “The number of people infected has risen and there is no doubt that we are in the third wave, with the peak not yet in sight. We’ve seen a steady week-on-week increase in new cases, admissions and fatalities.
“The Metro has experienced 8 418 new Covid-19 infections this past week, which brings the total number of cases to 185 846 since the start of the pandemic. This is a 43% increase in new cases as compared to the previous week.
“Symptoms for mild disease due to infection with Delta variant may not be exactly identical to other variants and can include cold-like symptoms such as a headache, runny nose and sore throat therefore any of these symptoms should be treated as Covid-19 and persons should isolate. It is imperative to note that this time around, the loss of taste/smell may not be prevalent,” said Dr Badroodien. This variant has been detected in all the sub districts.
Registration for Covid vaccination has opened on the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) for people 50 to 59 years old and SMS appointments will be sent to people in this age group who have successfully registered.
Although the over-50 age band is open, administering the first dose to people 60 years and older remains the highest priority at the moment. Thus the most vulnerable, those 60 years and older, will be prioritised in the walk-in queues over people aged 50 to 59 years.
“Any resident 60 years and older who has not registered, or who has not received an appointment, can go to their nearest public sector vaccination site for assisted registration and vaccination. Our community organisations need to assist in this regard, especially where it concerns elderly residents who are not aware of this development,” he said.
If you are 60 years and older and you’ve registered for a vaccine and are waiting for the second SMS or if you’ve received a SMS appointment for a venue far from your home, you too can go to one of the public sector vaccination sites where you will be assisted.
Those persons 50 to 59 years who have not yet registered on EVDS, are encouraged to do so using the following options: USSD free service: dial *134*832# OR send the word “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp OR visit https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za
