The Eastern Cape has achieved yet another vaccination
milestone as more than 2-million people have taken the life-saving jab.
As of November 28, a total of 2, 945, 421 vaccines were administered
on 2, 001, 277 people. Of those, 1, 738, 492 have been fully vaccinated.
Eastern Cape Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth said the
2-million milestone was great news as the province has targeted to vaccinate 4
099 million by the end of the current financial year.
“We are happy that the people of the Eastern Cape have
embraced the vaccination programme and continue coming forward for the jab. Having 2, 001, 277 vaccinated people bodes well for the
health and safety of the people of the Eastern Cape, because vaccinated people
are less likely to be hospitalised should they contract COVID-19,” said Meth.
She said the department had vaccinated about 47% of the population eligible for
the jab.
“We want to urge those that are yet to roll up their sleeves
for the vaccine to come forward and get vaccinated, especially men because they
account for 39.63% of the vaccinated population while we have seen 60.37% of
women being vaccinated.”
Meth called on people to continue adhering to
non-pharmaceutical safety measures as active cases continue going up.
With the Omicron new variant spreading faster in the
country, the MEC stressed the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure
the curve is flattened.
“If we all play our part by getting vaccinated and wearing
masks, practise social distancing and sanitise or wash hands regularly, we will
beat this virus. Let’s all choose life because the vaccine is life-saving.
When we get the jab, we are not only protecting ourselves but our loved ones
and communities as well. It is in our hands,” she said.
The Eastern Cape recorded 10 new cases in the last 24-hour
reporting cycle. There were no reported deaths or hospitalisations.
Cumulatively, 293, 174 cases have been reported while 15,
200 people have demised from COVID-19 complications since the start of the
pandemic in 2020.
“One death is one too many as we need everyone so we can
continue building better communities together. May the dearly departed rest in
peace.
“We are confident that the 109 people hospitalised in both
public and private hospitals will soon recover and be discharged because we
have a 94,8% recovery rate, all thanks to our healthcare workers who have been
absolutely great from day 1 when we had the first confirmed case in March last
year,” she said.
