In the last 24-hour cycle, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases is 1 562 931. The total number of deaths recourded in South Africa is 53 571. Subsequently, the total number of recoveries is 1 488 060. According to the national health ministry, vaccine registration for people over the age of 60 starts at 16h00 today. This comes as part of preparations for the second phase of the vaccine rollout in South Africa. The country is expecting 30 million Pfizer doses, with the first batch expected to arrive in May. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine trial is still on hold.

“We expect that was just a safety precaution and that permission to proceed will be confirmed in the coming days, so that we may proceed with the ongoing vaccine trails,” said Western Cape head of health, Dr Keith Cloete.

Speaking on VOC’s Breakfast show on Friday, 16 April, Cloete explained the case load of coronavirus has not dramatically increased since the long Easter weekend as was surmised by experts prior to the holiday.

“We are still monitoring and have not picked up any evidence of a third wave of coronavirus. We are still plateauing and even after the Easter weekend we have not picked up any heft increases in cases, hospitalizations or death around the province,” explained Cloete.

“We now have confirmation from the National Department of the supply of vaccines into this province over the coming months and we have put sufficient plans in place to ensure a successful roll out vaccines across the Western Cape,” stated Cloete.

According to Cloete, Phase 2 of the vaccine trails will begin on the 17^th May.

“Between the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine that we will be receiving from the end of April and the beginning of May onwards, we will be able to vaccinate everyone older than 60 years between the 17^th May and the 30^th June,” described Cloete.

Cloete encouraged citizens 60 years or older to register on the system, so that inoculations may start on mid-May. However, Cloete reassured citizens that nobody would be forced to take the vaccine against their own will.

“The vaccine programme has always been voluntary one but what we will do is ensure that everyone gets the correct information like we have done with healthcare workers. Everybody should weigh up the risks and determine for themselves whether it’s in their best interest or not,” explained Cloete.

Cloete reiterated the importance of the three C’s.

• Close contact
• Crowds
• Concealed spaces

To register for the phase 2 of vaccine trails: click here https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/ 

VOC