With an average of more than 1 500 new Covid-19 cases a day currently in the metropole, Cape Town cannot afford for its vaccination drive to be derailed by fake news.
The City of Cape Town notes ongoing conspiracy theories that are fueling vaccine hesitancy among some of our most vulnerable groups.
Since the rollout of the vaccination campaign in February this year, the metropole has made significant gains in terms of the number of vaccinations administered, with this figure at more than 400 000.
There has also been good uptake in the 50 – 59 age band, since becoming eligible for vaccinations.
This week, registration opens for the 35 – 49 age group. It is hoped that persons in this group will bring their elders along to vaccination sites, for onsite registration and vaccination, if they haven’t done so already.
‘The accelerated pace of the vaccination drive is good news indeed, because it means we are safeguarding more people against severe cases of Covid-19. However, there continue to be pockets of our population who have qualified for vaccination, but where the uptake is low. This could be due to the registration process, but we are also concerned that fake news and conspiracy theories are causing vaccine hesitancy. Among the stories we’ve heard, is that the vaccine causes Covid-19, or that it is an attempt to track individuals and even that it is a form of population control.
‘Such misinformation has the potential to seriously impact our efforts to safeguard our population. While one does not want to legitimise fake news, it is important to address the issue, because it could mean the difference between life and death. The City encourages residents to consult official government online channels regarding the vaccines, to call the various helplines or ask questions at their local clinic to help make an informed decision,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
FATALITY MANAGEMENT
The City’s cemeteries experienced a slight increase in burials in the past seven days compared to the previous week – from 390 to 410.
Maitland cemetery had 108 burials, Klip Road 96 and Welmoed cemetery had 86.
‘Our cemeteries are managing the demand currently. The City cannot, however, indicate with certainty how many of these were Covid-19 burials, as the cause of death is often either listed as natural or non-natural causes. The City continues to engage with undertakers and other stakeholders in this area to ensure that we are able to assist them where necessary.
‘Our Environmental Health Practitioners have, however, expressed concern about increased non-compliance with Covid-19 protocols at funerals. We remind the public to please adhere to the protocols, for their own safety. Funeral gatherings are considered super-spreader events, and at a time when our health system is taking strain, it is imperative that we all play our part in ensuring that we mitigate the risk of infection,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
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Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Note to broadcasters – audio is available: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/13072021_badroodien_covid-update
Media enquiries: Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 639 5773, Email: zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)