Cape Town - With only a 72% in funeral protocol adherence in the past week, the City has warned that these events could become Covid-19 super spreaders if residents were not vigilant
“It is disheartening that funeral protocol adherence continues to be problematic.
“During the past week there were 547 burials compared to 649 in the previous week.
“Even though this is a notable decrease of 102 burials, at the same time we are seeing a steady increase in the demand for cremations, having cremated 150 deceased in the past week,” said community services and health mayco member Zahid Badroodien.
The busiest cemeteries were Klip 154 (215 the previous week), Maitland 139 (on par with previous week) and Welmoed 113 (an increase of 74).
The City’s health department has called for increased adherence to health protocols as the peak of the third wave expected within the next week or two in the province.
There was a noted increase in excess deaths in the province, indicative of the number of deaths that are occurring above what is expected.
“The metro is seeing about 1 280 new cases a day and while this figure has slowed, it’s not cause for us to drop our guard,” he said.
Residents unregistered to receive the vaccine continued to be the officials' headache, with Badrodien saying: “The City is doing what it can to ensure the process is as smooth and accessible as possible.”
Of those vaccinated to date, 58.8% are women across all age groups.
“Women are once again taking the lead in ensuring the health and well-being of our communities.
“It cannot fall on their shoulders alone.
“I want to encourage men to step up. We have been heartened by the excitement shown by those in the younger age groups to be vaccinated. Assist someone you know, who is eligible, to register for the vaccine. It is in everyone’s best interests to vaccinate as many eligible persons as possible,’’ said Badroodien.
Nomzamo in Strand had the lowest registration rates for those over 60 at only 9.8%, followed by Philippi (11.36 %), Fisantekraal (16.1%), Imizamo Yethu (17.57%) and Crossroads ( 21%).
The provincial government said residents who have not been vaccinated yet are now able to access registration and vaccination assistance at the Disa Hall based at Tygerberg Hospital.
The facility will be open to residents who need their first jabs only.
Residents will be assisted with registration and vaccination on the same day.
“If you have received an SMS for your first vaccination, you are welcome to visit the facility as well.
“The registration and vaccination drive will take place from 4 August 2021 – 10 August between 08:00 – 15:00. Healthcare workers will deliver a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to residents, with 500 doses available per day for this period.
“We encourage members of the public to make use of this opportunity as vaccination can prevent severe disease, while providing protection against Covid-19 related hospitalisation and death.”
Walk-ins will be prioritised for the 60s and older requiring their 1st vaccination, followed by those aged 50 -59 years requiring their 1st vaccination and people aged 35-49 years requiring their 1st vaccination.
Meanwhile 328 agri-workers and 94 qualifying staff members were vaccinated through the Cape Winelands District Health initiative.