News24 reports that rural areas along the West Coast have seen a rise in Covid-19 infections during the third wave, with small towns bearing the brunt of cluster outbreaks.

According to Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo, towns on the West Coast, particularly in the Matzikama Municipality, had relatively low cases in the first and second wave. However, over the last few weeks, cluster outbreaks have been recorded in several towns. These include Papendorp, Stofkraal, Molsvlei, Rietpoort, Bitterfontein, Ebenhaeser, Doringbaai, Nuwerus and Kliprand. Kilprand made headlines in June when around 10% of the town tested positive for Covid-19. At the time, the provincial health department also flagged outbreaks in four small towns in the province – Hawston, Murraysburg, Suurbraak and Buffeljagsrivier – saying rural communities were becoming increasingly at risk of infection. The number of towns experiencing outbreaks has multiplied in the last few weeks. Some towns have seen infections in more than 10% of the population. The infections have been primarily driven by a trend towards "personal non-adherence with the non-pharmaceutical intervention", said Mbombo. Vaccine hesitancy also played a role, she noted. "There have been reports of vaccine hesitancy among community members influenced by religious concerns and misinformation on the risks and effects of the vaccine. We are continuously engaging communities in providing them with factual, accurate information to make an informed decision," Mbombo indicated.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page