Keetmans council members talk Covid
Regional and local government officials in the //Karas Region are worried about residents’ vaccine hesitancy.
ELIZABETH JOSEPH
KEETMANSHOOP
Keetmanshoop council members have been very vocal about their vaccination status and their concern about the low vaccination rate in the region.
In a recent interview, Keetmanshoop mayor Maree Smit said she believes the Covid vaccination is important as it will contribute to herd immunity.
“European countries are examples, where the infection rate has decreased because of the high vaccination rate.
“I have not been vaccinated yet due to medical reasons, but I am hopeful that I will be able to take the vaccination later in the year,” she said.
//Karas regional governor Aletha Frederick has launched a campaign to inform the community about the importance of getting not one, but both vaccinations.
According to the health director for the //Karas Region, Sandra Owases, the region’s vaccination figure has since increased.
Regional councillor Gert Witbooi admitted that he had not yet been vaccinated.
“Due to the spread of confusing information on social media, I have not been vaccinated.
“The health director should also look into moving people from the second floor of the hospital to the TB ward to better take care of the people.
“The government should also be honest with people, especially in rural areas, about the figures around the vaccination,” he said.
Reluctance
Keetmanshoop medical professionals said the number of vaccinated people had started increasing, but not enough.
According to health worker John Eiman, people are hesitant to be vaccinated but are getting tested for the virus.
“We all know that the vaccination is not 100% perfect, but I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. I’ve received both doses, and have not had any side effects.
“I also do not believe that it is the responsibility of the government to force anyone to get vaccinated. It is every person’s responsibility to make sure that they keep themselves healthy,” said Governor Aletha Frederick.
KEETMANSHOOP
Keetmanshoop council members have been very vocal about their vaccination status and their concern about the low vaccination rate in the region.
In a recent interview, Keetmanshoop mayor Maree Smit said she believes the Covid vaccination is important as it will contribute to herd immunity.
“European countries are examples, where the infection rate has decreased because of the high vaccination rate.
“I have not been vaccinated yet due to medical reasons, but I am hopeful that I will be able to take the vaccination later in the year,” she said.
//Karas regional governor Aletha Frederick has launched a campaign to inform the community about the importance of getting not one, but both vaccinations.
According to the health director for the //Karas Region, Sandra Owases, the region’s vaccination figure has since increased.
Regional councillor Gert Witbooi admitted that he had not yet been vaccinated.
“Due to the spread of confusing information on social media, I have not been vaccinated.
“The health director should also look into moving people from the second floor of the hospital to the TB ward to better take care of the people.
“The government should also be honest with people, especially in rural areas, about the figures around the vaccination,” he said.
Reluctance
Keetmanshoop medical professionals said the number of vaccinated people had started increasing, but not enough.
According to health worker John Eiman, people are hesitant to be vaccinated but are getting tested for the virus.
“We all know that the vaccination is not 100% perfect, but I strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. I’ve received both doses, and have not had any side effects.
“I also do not believe that it is the responsibility of the government to force anyone to get vaccinated. It is every person’s responsibility to make sure that they keep themselves healthy,” said Governor Aletha Frederick.
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