Severe disease is rare in children but this risk increases should they have significant underlying health conditions – Dr Fong

The Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says the deaths of a 4-month-old baby and a 15-year-boy with underlying health conditions are sad reminders that as cases increase to very high numbers in the community our most vulnerable are at higher risk of being infected and suffering from severe disease.

He says they know that severe disease is rare in children but this risk increases should they have significant underlying health conditions.

Doctor Fong stresses that we must all do our best to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to protect our vulnerable.

He says this means getting fully vaccinated which includes getting a booster shot when due plus masking, physical distancing, avoiding crowds, hand hygiene, social gathering restrictions, indoor capacity restrictions, ventilation and curfews.

Doctor Fong is strongly advising people over the age of 50, pregnant women and those with non-communicable diseases that develop any COVID-19 symptoms to please come forward to be tested and reviewed by medical teams.

Symptoms include cold or flu-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, body ache and fever.