The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) urged seniors in a statement yesterday to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible.
The statement emphasised that the bureau is “highly concerned about the positive [test] results of unvaccinated elderly people in the citywide nucleic acid tests (NATs)”, adding that seniors may be infected by family members or caregivers despite staying at home.
The bureau, the statement noted, therefore urged those unvaccinated to get jabbed as soon as possible to protect their health and safety.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be made at https://eservice.ssm.gov.mo/covidvacbook/Booking?lang=en, where further details can also be found.
Moreover, the statement said that as of 9 p.m. on Monday, the rates of elderly people who had received at least one jab of the vaccine by age group were: 79.9 percent for those aged 60-69, 74.8 percent for those aged 70-79, and 50.4 percent for those aged 80 or above.
Govt conducts outreach NATs for those with mobility difficulties
Meanwhile, in a separate statement yesterday, IAS and the Health Bureau (SSM) are offering home-based NAT services in conjunction with the mass nucleic acid testing for those with reduced mobility such as people who are permanently bedridden and people with serious medical conditions.
The statement noted that those who underwent door-to-door NAT services during last year’s citywide test are not required to re-apply. First-time applicants with reduced mobility can contact the following for the services:
Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre, 2870 0800; 24-hour IAS counselling hotline, 2826 1126; Central and Southern District (Patane) Social Service Centre, 2858 0981; Northern District (Tamagnini Barbosa) Social Service Centre, 2859 6457; Northwestern District (Ilha Verde) Social Service Centre, 2822 5744; Taipa and Coloane Social Service Centre, 2882 5077; and Taipa and Coloane Social Service Centre (Taipa Branch), 2882 7285.
Only urgent services open
Moreover, the bureau will continue to suspend services in its main office, social service centres and subsidiary units through Friday. However, the statement pointed out that urgent services like the Areia Preta Drug Treatment Centre (Methadone) and Carmo (Taipa) Drug Treatment Centre’s (Methadone) Detoxification and Maintenance Treatment Services will remain open.
