COVID-19 under control in Kgatleng - Molokwe
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday March 28, 2022 06:00
“Even though we are currently reporting low cases of COVID-19, the District Health Management Team (DHMT) remains vigilant and on the lookout for any outbreaks. Let me take this opportunity to encourage us all to continue taking care of ourselves, observe COVID-19 protocols and get tested at the nearest facility if we develop COVID-19 symptoms,” Molokwe said. On the issue of vaccination, Molokwe indicated that the campaign is ongoing in the district, and thee DHMT is currently vaccinating people aged 12 years and older. He said the district's target is 8,209, and by March 11 at least 66,914 people had received their first doses, which is 82% of the target.
Furthermore, he said 59,114 people are fully vaccinated, translating to 72% of the target population. “I wish to highlight, with concern, that the turn up for vaccines by those in the age category 18 to 29 years has been low, and I request that we all encourage the youth to get vaccinated,” he said. He, however, said the school vaccination drive is going well with the DHMT vaccinating eligible children aged 12 to 17 years at all schools in the district. He said 9,249 children out of a target of 13,000 have received their first doses, which is 71% of the target. In addition, the majority of eligible children who have not received their COVID-19 vaccine are those who are not attending formal school, he said.
He requested all parents and guardians to ensure that their children get vaccinated if they are between the ages of 12 and 17 years. He informed councilors that the uptake of booster doses has been slow and is of great concern. “Of the 44,875 people due for their booster doses, as of March 11 up to 9,891 had taken their shots, which is just 22% of those that are eligible.
Let me remind you all that the booster dose is very important as research has shown that the efficacy of the primary vaccine declines over time,” he said. He commended the DHMT and the stakeholder's remarkable efforts to get the community vaccinated. He said they have recently held successful vaccination drives at shopping centres as a way to take the vaccine closer to the people.
He said: “They continue with other initiatives such as the door-to-door campaign, which was piloted at Makakatlela ward in Mochudi, and the 'Re Tloo Le Latela' campaign, where they can be called by a group of 20 or more people to come and vaccinate them. With all these efforts and a positive response from the community, I am confident that we will reach our targets and overcome the pandemic.”