Mayor Plato today received the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine under phase 2 of the national rollout at the Brackenfell Clinic – which was one of the first local government sites to participate in the second phase of vaccinations. Mayor Plato called for national government to urgently increase procurement and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine so that other age groups can be included as soon as possible. An expanded and expedited national vaccination rollout would bring an end to the need for further lockdowns that harm livelihoods.
‘There have been vaccination registration drives across the metro to boost numbers of those getting the jab to move closer to population immunity. The City and province are ready to provide a significant boost to the vaccination drive and call for national government to urgently step up the procurement and rollout of vaccines. I am pleased to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as a resident over 60. I received my first jab as part of phase 2 of the rollout and it was a quick and painless process. I wish to applaud the professionalism of the staff on duty and encourage residents to receive the vaccine as it is key to achieving population immunity and returning to a life without lockdown restrictions,’ said Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.
National government this past week opened the call to residents over the age of 50 following a request by the provincial government for a smoother transition to the next group of vaccinations, which previously covered those over the age of 60 in phase 2.
Cape Town Executive Mayor Dan Plato noted the recent move to adjusted Alert level 4 of the national lockdown and appealed to residents to adhere to the regulations to enable a swift move out of Alert level 4.
Clinics around the City and elsewhere have additional capacity to cope if and when national government includes other age groups for vaccination.
‘Our vaccine registration rate is not ideal, so we renew our call on qualifying residents to please ensure that they secure their spot by registering. We also encourage younger persons to assist the older persons in their home, street and community at large with the national online registration process. The success of the Covid-19 vaccination registration drive is a shared responsibility, and relies on everyone to play a role. In addition, it is crucial that we all continue to play our part in abiding by the health and safety protocols as we navigate this third wave of infections. The Western Cape is experiencing an increase in caseload, and we can ill afford to rest on our laurels. While the City understands that pandemic fatigue is real, the risks associated with contracting the virus are too, and we need to safeguard ourselves and others during this critical period,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
We are also opening mass vaccination sites jointly with the Western Cape government to further boost the capacity to vaccinate residents, more quickly. The City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government have partnered to convert the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) into a mass vaccination site, which opens in early July.
It is estimated that the site will be able to vaccinate over 4000 people daily as part of both the Province and City’s commitment to vaccinating as many of our residents as possible against Covid-19.
The CTICC will be one of three major vaccination centres in Cape Town, ensuring greater access to vaccinations across the city.
Those over the age of 50 are reminded that they can register using the USSD code *134*832# to register free of charge, or send the word “REGISTER” via WhatsApp to 0600 123 456.
Each person registering will require an ID number and a cell phone number where they can receive details of their appointment. We appeal that those who registered only come to a facility once they have received a SMS confirming the date, time and location for their vaccination to be administered.
A comprehensive vaccination rollout strategy is the answer to ensuring businesses can survive beyond the pandemic. Businesses have been working towards a recovery and the implementation of more severe lockdowns is negatively impacting their ability to survive and adapt.
The regulations under level 4 include:
- Curfew in place between 21H00 until 04H00 daily
- Non-essential establishments must close at 20:00
- Inter-provincial travel in and out of Gauteng for leisure is prohibited, except for essential and business purposes
- Alcohol sales are banned
- Restaurants are limited to takeaways and deliveries
- All gatherings banned except for funerals, which are capped at 50 people in a socially-distanced setting
- Public spaces such as beaches will remain open but no gatherings allowed
- Wearing a mask in public spaces remains compulsory under national lockdown regulations