THE Gauteng MEC for Health Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi is currently in self isolation at home after she tested positive for COVID-19, the provincial government announced on Wednesday.
Mokgethi received the vaccine in February.
In a statement issued by the Premier’s Office, Mokgethi presented with mild symptoms before she went to test on Tuesday.
“All persons who were in contact with her have been advised to self-isolate and test if necessary,” said the Premier’s Office spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga.
“The health MEC was one of the first people to receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine under the Sisonke Programme in Gauteng. The COVID-19 vaccine prevents severe illness, hospitalisation and death. MEC Mokgethi is not exhibiting any severe symptoms and will remain in isolation for the next 10 days. The public is encouraged to continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions, even after they have been vaccinated.”
Meanwhile, Gauteng Provincial Government said it was pleased with the start of the vaccination rollout programme.
The rollout programme kicked off with 24 vaccination sites and 11 old age homes on Monday.
By close of business on Tuesday, 8 060 people were vaccinated atOld Age Homes and health facilities.
“To date, 13 4420 people, including healthcare workers have been vaccinated. Phase 1B of the vaccination programme is focusing on healthcare workers, traditional practitioners and funeral parlour employees, while Phase 2 of the programme is prioritisingpersonswhoare60 years and older, as they are more vulnerable to serious illness, hospitalisation and death, in the event they contract COVID-19,” said Mhaga.
He said the provincial government welcomes the interest shown by many leaders from various sectors of society who came forward to be vaccinated and commit to spread the message about the importance of vaccines in the fight againstCOVID-19.
Vaccination sites will be scaled up as more vaccine doses are available in the province.
Over 5000 vaccinators have been trained, with2445 vaccinators practising for this period.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura paid tribute to all municipalities in the province for their role in the vaccination programme thus far.
Makhura also thanked all healthcare workers who are involved in the vaccination programme and called on Gauteng residents to register on the EVDS.
He said various measures were put in place to help register people who are 60 years and older.
“Every health district has a database of elderly people who are not able to come to site. They have already been visited by our community healthcare workers at home to register them,” the premier said.
As of 18 May, 34 6379 people have been registered on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) in the province.
- Inside Politics
