The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announces that the 66-year-old female Macao resident who was identified as an imported case of COVID-19 yesterday has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, nor has her son who was living together with her.

Unvaccinated individuals not only face more risk in catching COVID-19 themselves, but also increase the risk of spreading the virus in the community. To safeguard their own health and that of their family, unvaccinated individuals are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, whereas those who have already received two doses should receive a booster dose as soon as possible.

The Response and Coordination Centre points out that the effects of the vaccine in preventing severe illness and death has been proven worldwide. For example, according to the data from the neighboring regions, the proportion of severe illness and death following COVID-19 infection is dozens of times higher among the unvaccinated than those who have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. It is evident that the vaccines are effective.

Hence, apart from the regular preventive measures, members of the public should get vaccinated or boosted at the earliest opportunity, if not already done so. Elders and people with chronic diseases should even receive a fourth dose to extend the protection of the COVID-19 vaccines in reducing infection, severe illness or death.

Please visit https://eservice.ssm.gov.mo/covidvacbook to make an appointment for vaccination. There are also sufficient walk-in quotas at different vaccination points for those who wish to get vaccinated without an appointment.