Western Cape Premier Alan Winde indicated during a digital press conference on Thursday, August 5, that the province is officially at the peak of the third wave and that people should be vigilant now more than ever.
According to the Premier the lifesaving behaviours that we have learnt over the last 16 months, such as wearing a mask and avoiding crowds, play an important role in the province’s fight against COVID-19 as well as getting the vaccine.
” I also want to encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated and who are eligible to come forward and receive a vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccine is safe and will help protect you from getting seriously ill from COVID-19, and our very early data is already showing that it is helping reduce the impact of the third wave,” Winde said.
Winde reiterated that the Western Cape’s healthcare system might be under immense pressure, but is coping with the demands of it as the province planned in advance for the third wave of COVID-19 infections.
” We must think of them, and how they have helped us all over the last year and a half, and honour them by staying safe and protecting our healthcare system,” Winde added.
The Western Cape also reported 40 669 active infections, 419 174 confirmed cases and 362 766 recoveries, as of Thursday, August 4.
1/2 ?Update on the coronavirus and vaccines
As at 1pm on 4 August 2021, the Western Cape had 40 669 active COVID-19 infections, with a total number 419 174 COVID-19 cases to date and 362 766 recoveries.
Statement: https://t.co/w8j3eRwfZl pic.twitter.com/vr0U27kJIb
— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) August 5, 2021
Meanwhile, nearly a quarter of a million vaccines will arrive in the Western Cape on Friday, August 6, as the province is getting closer to achieving herd immunity among those aged 60 years and older and looking forward to reaching the next milestone of 67% vaccinated in this age group. Out of that age group who have registered, 60.1% have at least received a single dose already, as the number of those fully vaccinated is starting to exceed those partially vaccinated.
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Picture: Cape{town} etc gallery