The City of Cape Town has honed in on Atlantis today in a concerted effort to increase Covid-19 vaccine registration among the elderly. The city’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, and Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien, visited the area to encourage registration.
The Provincial Department of Health recently announced that the Western Cape, including the City of Cape Town Metro, is entering the Third Wave of Covid-19 infections. This follows a steady week-on-week increase in new cases, admissions and fatalities and over the past week, the Metro has experienced 2 320 new cases, which is 55% more than the previous week.
With this rise in cases, it is especially important for residents to remain vigilant.
‘The elderly are a vulnerable group identified for Phase 2 of the national vaccination rollout. It is vital that we increase awareness around the benefits of the vaccine. As a resident over 60 years of age, I was advised by healthcare staff to get the vaccine, which was a quick and easy process without experiencing any negative side effects. I am due to get my second dose later this month and appeal to our older residents to register to receive the vaccine so we can move closer to achieving population immunity and bring an end to the Covid-19 pandemic,’ said Executive Mayor Plato.
If you experience Covid-19 symptoms, please isolate immediately and get tested at your nearest testing facility. Should you test positive, isolate for 10 days and ensure everyone you have been in contact with quarantines for 10 days as well.
These actions are important to break the chain of infection.
‘Atlantis is one of the towns in which there is a low registration rate among the elderly. Of the 6 911 elderly residents in Atlantis who are eligible for the vaccine, only 2 068 are registered. This is slightly less than 30% and I want to urge our elderly to make sure they’re registered and at the same time, implore our young people, who may be more tech savvy, to help those who are unable, to get on the database. It’s only when we work together that we are able to keep everyone safe and return to our normal routines,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
The City’s Health Department continues its preparation to ensure adequate resources to continue the delivery of routine services, as well as manage the increasing Covid-19 case load.
All residents over the age of 60 are encouraged to register for their Covid-19 vaccine.
‘The vaccines are safe and protects against disease. It’s the best method we have to protect our loved ones from getting sick, as well as stopping the pandemic. People over the age of 60 are at much greater risk of severe disease and death from Covid-19, so we really do encourage all those who are eligible, to register as soon as possible. Currently only 48,8% of the over 60 population in Cape Town has registered,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
Those who have not yet registered on the electronic vaccine data system, 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 http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za
Please note: Vaccination sites are scheduling clients three to seven days in advance. This may mean that your SMS confirmation may take some time to be sent, as it is dependent on venue capacity and vaccine availability. As additional resources become available, the waiting time should decrease.
Please wait to receive your SMS notification rather than opting for a walk-in service. This will reduce queues and ensure Covid-19 protocols are observed.