The influenza positivity rate among patients with fever and respiratory symptoms reached 15 percent between June 21 and 27, hovering on the edge of the warning threshold, while the COVID-19 positivity rate hit 25 percent during the same period, entering a high-risk level, Health Bureau (SSM) Director Alvis Lo Iek Long said yesterday.
Dr Lo made the remarks on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the “Student Health Ambassador Training” programme at Fu Luen School in the Areia Preta district.
“Fu Luen” is the short form for the Women’s General Association of Macau.
Considering the rising infection rates, Dr Lo urged residents experiencing respiratory symptoms such as a fever or cough to wear masks when entering or leaving public venues to reduce virus transmission. He also advised them to seek medical attention promptly, get ample rest at home, and maintain routine daily health management. Furthermore, vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children, are encouraged to get vaccinated again COVID-19.
As the summer holidays mark a peak period for outbound travel, the bureau reminded residents to conduct health assessments before departure, get vaccinated against COVID-19 if required, and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene throughout their trips to lower infection risks.
For those travelling to Southeast Asian countries, Dr Lo advised travellers to carry insect repellent at all times and take robust anti-mosquito precautions to avoid contracting dengue fever or chikungunya fever. Upon returning to Macau, travellers should closely monitor their health and seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as a fever, rash, or joint pain occur, he said.
Concurrently, the Health Bureau has served nearly 100,000 residents over the past six months through community services such as its “Health and Wellness Station” and “Healthy Community” consultation stations, Dr Lo said, adding that these screenings successfully identified more than 1,900 new cases of hypertension and over 300 new cases of diabetes.
He suggested that adults aged 18 and older should check their blood pressure annually for the early detection of hypertension, while individuals aged 40 and above should screen their blood glucose and lipid levels every three years to detect chronic diseases early.
Macau was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic between early 2020 and late 2022.
Health Bureau (SSM) Director Alvis Lo Iek Long talks to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the “Student Health Ambassador Training “ programme at Fu Luen School in Areia Preta yesterday. – Photo: Ida Cheong
