Rare occurrences such as the death of a 21-year-old man from COVID-19 without any underlying medical condition is highly likely with high community transmission rates.

Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong clarified this in a statement yesterday in response to the COVID-19 death.

The man died at home on Sunday, 16th January, did not have any known pre-existing medical condition and was fully vaccinated.

“These two factors make it difficult to narrate more precisely the extent to which COVID-19 contributes to the death of patients,” Dr Fong said.

“We have mentioned in the past that the vaccines are 80 per cent protective against severe disease and death, not 100 per cent.”

He said awareness on symptoms and early presentation to a health facility are critical protection measures.

Severe symptoms are; trouble breathing (shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), ongoing chest pains, severe headache, confusion, inability to stay awake or wake up, pale, grey or blue coloured skin, lips or fingernails, worsening weakness and coughing blood.

He also highlighted the importance of vaccination in the fight against COVID-19.

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