The Eastern Cape Health Department has thanked the taxi industry, security sector, non-profit organisations, political parties, and communities as they formed a human shield around businesses and protected livelihoods, following threats of looting and destruction similar to that in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Department spokesperson, Siswe Kupelo says a catastrophic disaster, which would not only have led to the provincial economy being severely affected as thousands of jobs would have been lost, but also a possible health crisis was averted as people would not have been able to access health services.
He says the vaccination programme could have been affected as has been the case in Gauteng and KZN as some vaccination sites had to close for safety reasons.
Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth says some vaccination sites are open over the weekend.
"Had lawlessness been allowed, we would have had to possibly suspend our vaccination programme which is the last thing the Eastern Cape needs", she said.
