The Western Cape Health department says at least 25 vaccination sites will be operational on Saturday across the province. The sites include the Goodwood Civic Centre, Someset West Hall, Khayelitsha Hospital and the Mooreesburg Town Hall.

Department spokesperson, Mark van der Heever, says more than 200 000 vaccines were administered in the province this week.

He says the first drive-through vaccination site at the Athlone Stadium has helped to boost numbers.

“Previously when it rained, we saw lower turnout at our vaccination sites, but it was evident at the drive-through that people want to be vaccinated. They could stay in their car while being vaccinated and not feel a drop of rain. In addition to the drive-through, the department also partnered with the University of the Western Cape to open the UCT community of hope vaccine site, which will go a long way in supporting students, who typically form part of the 18-34-year-old age group, in getting vaccinated in a safe and convenient setting,” says Van der Heever.

Western Cape launches UCT community of hope vaccination site:

On Friday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported 9 199 new coronavirus infections in the country. 247 more people have succumbed to COVID-19 related complications. This puts the total death toll at 83 161. KwaZulu-Natal had the highest number of new infections at 2 425 followed by the Western Cape at 1 891, the Eastern Cape at 1 872 and Gauteng 679.

Using sports to encourage vaccination

Meanwhile, Cape Town City Football Club says it wants to lead the way in convincing sports teams to encourage members of the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The team’s players received their vaccines at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday.

Chairperson John Comitis says an increase in the number of administered vaccines would make fans return to stadiums.

“For us it’s very important to get vaccinated. All the players have understood that to carry on playing football without fans is not football, so they put their hand up and they said let’s lead the way. Let’s all go and do it together and let’s make a day of it. So we’re here to get vaccinated, we want life to get back to normal, we want South African fans back in our stadiums and we want to open up the country again. Others have done it, we can do it as well,” says Comitis.

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Additional reporting: Corbin August