Only two per cent of the targeted 65 per cent of inhabitants in the Erongo Region have received both their first and second COVID-19 vaccine doses so far, while 11 per cent have received the first dose.

This is according to statistics provided by Erongo Health Director Anna Jonas during the Erongo Governor’s bi-weekly media briefing on Wednesday.

According to Jonas, these percentages make up 15 331 people who have received both doses and 12 851 who have only received the first dose, with Swakopmund district in the lead where more than 6 000 people vaccinated.

“There are still vaccines available in the region and although priority is given to those taking the first doses for now, hospitals are not turning away those going back for their second doses until the next consignment arrives. The public is more than ever urged to go and get their vaccines while continuing to adhere to all the infection control measures,” she advised.

According to Jonas of all the 256 deaths recorded in the region by 05 July, none of them were vaccinated, which is concerning.

The health director further said the region is still managing the hospital situation well as hospitals are not yet full, apart from the Swakopmund District Hospital which is full but still manageable.

“The region is also faced with the issue of mortuary space like other regions, however, we have received containers from donors which will be used as mobile mortuaries at district hospitals to respond to the surging numbers of deaths,” she said.

Meanwhile, Namibian Police Force Erongo Regional Commander, Commissioner Andreas Nelumbu raised concern about the increase in the number of permits being issued, noting that over 1 000 permits have being issued.

This, he said, defeats the purpose of roadblocks and travel restrictions put in place.

“I would really advise that people only travel when it is absolutely necessary as these travels are increasing the spread of the virus out of and into the region,” Nelumbu stressed.

Source: Namibia Press Agency