Covid-19 is still active in Macau, says SSM

The Health Bureau (SSM) has reported that while the Covid-19 pandemic in Macau remains at a relatively high level of activity, it is reassuring to note that there have been no instances of people becoming seriously ill or dying as a result of Covid-19 in Macau this year.

There have been 26 instances of Covid-19 cluster infections this year, with most occurring in residential care homes for senior citizens. The SSM noted in a statement recently that residents in these facilities are often more vulnerable to the virus.

Monitoring data from the bureau show that the positivity rate of Covid-19 among patients with influenza-like symptoms in Macau started to rise in late February, peaking at 44.3% in mid-March. Since then, the rate has gradually declined, with recorded positivity rates of 12%, 17%, and 11% over the past three weeks, respectively.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic in Macau has decreased from its peak, it remains at a relatively elevated level, the authorities emphasized, urging residents – particularly those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, individuals with severe chronic conditions, and those who are immunocompromised – to prioritize completing their JN.1 Covid-19 vaccination.

“The COVID-19 variant currently circulating in Macau is the XDV variant, which is related to the JN.1 variant,” the bureau stated. “The JN.1 Covid-19 vaccine being used in Macau continues to be effective in reducing both the risk of infection and the likelihood of severe illness associated with this circulating variant.”

Currently, there is no information suggesting that the XDV variant causes more severe disease than the JN.1 and XBB variants, or their subsequent lineages, the SSM stressed.

Given that antiviral drugs can effectively inhibit the replication of the coronavirus and significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and death when started within five days of infection, authorities strongly recommend that high-risk individuals undergo antigen testing and seek prompt medical attention at hospitals or health centers if they experience fever or respiratory symptoms indicative of Covid-19, ensuring they receive antiviral treatment as early as possible.