WALVIS BAY – A mere 1.6% of residents in the Erongo region have been fully vaccinated while 10.7% received their first injection.
This is according to the regional health director Anna Jonas, who said the vaccination uptake is rather slow while new infections are increasing daily.
The Covid-19 inoculation started in March following the arrival of the Sinopharm vaccines donated by the Chinese government.
The health ministry aims to vaccinate over 60% of Erongo residents, according to Jonas. However, she says that they have noticed an increase in vaccinations in the past two weeks.
“We would like to commend our residents for coming up and also urge those who have not been vaccinated to come forth so that they can protect themselves,” said Jonas during a Covid-19 update press conference held on Monday by the Erongo governor, Neville Andre.
That vaccination campaign initially started in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund on 19 March but was extended to Omaruru and Usakos in April.
According to Jonas, all State hospitals, apart from the Walvis Bay State hospital, have vaccination sites.
“All our clinics in other smaller locations also provide vaccinations, either through mobile teams or on a fixed basis, as well as all hospitals in the region,” she said.
She added that mobile teams visit fishing companies and mines, among others, to reach as many people as they can.
Jonas also noted with concern that those who contracted Covid-19 are waiting until the last minute to seek medical attention.
“This does not only decrease chances of survival in many instances but also puts further strain on our hospital resources. Hence, we should seek help immediately so that the medical teams can see whether you need hospitalisation and start treatment immediately,” she said.
Also speaking at the briefing, Andre urged residents to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations and take the vaccine.
“The third wave is indeed among us, and it is no joke, unlike the first two waves we have experienced. We must be more hands-on to mitigate the further spread of the virus. Our economy cannot withstand another lockdown. Let us adhere to the regulations,” the governor appealed. -edeklerk@nepc.com.na