Dear Cape Town community members,
For the past several months, we have been able to enjoy life under lockdown level 1 with relative freedom. The number of active cases in our community has been negligible and our health care systems have been able to replenish and re-energise in preparation for the festive season.
However, we are now heading towards the fourth wave with a rapid increase of numbers in Gauteng which is already spreading nationally. CSO Cape Town has seen active cases on its COVID-19 Wellness Monitoring Programme surge from 0 on Friday, 26 November to 28 cases on Tuesday, 30 November.
This past Sunday, a national COVID-19 community meeting was held where Professor Barry Schoub and Dr Richard Friedland outlined their concerns, as well as guidelines for protection against the fourth wave and the new Omicron variant.
Whilst little is known about this new variant, we do know that its reproductive rate is at the same level as it was at the peak of the previous waves. This early sign of high transmissibility is a cause for concern.
It is imperative that we emphasise the following safety measures:
1. Vaccination: we need as many people to get vaccinated as possible. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming severely ill or hospitalised if you contract COVID-19.
2. Maintaining infection prevention measures. Even if you are vaccinated, you can still contract COVID-19 and pass it on to others. It is therefore crucial we:
- Ensure that correct mask-wearing is taking place at all times. Statistics have proven that wearing masks can reduce transmission by more than 50%.
- Maintain a safe distance from others.
- Avoid social gatherings in crowded environments with poor ventilation.
- Sanitise your hands regularly and avoid touching your nose and mouth.
If you test positive, please register for the CSO COVID-19 Wellness Monitoring Programme by completing this form. This programme is saving lives through early intervention.
The December holidays are upon us and we are all looking forward to spending time with our family and friends. Please be extra vigilant and act responsibly to slow the spread!
Yours faithfully
Tzvi Brivik (Chairperson Cape SAJBD)
Shane Butlion (Chairperson CSO Cape Town)
Cape SA Jewish Board of Deputies website: www.capesajbd.org, Instagram, and Facebook page.
CSO CAPE TOWN — PROTECTING JEWISH LIFE AND THE JEWISH WAY OF LIFE
EMERGENCY — NUMBER: 086 18 911 18 — www.csocape.org.za
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