The Ma Man Kei and Lo Pak Sam College (MLC) recently held the MedX Lecture Series Opening Seminar. The event, which was also broadcast online, attracted over 300 participants, including students from Macao, mainland China and other countries, as well as researchers and experts, who shared their experiences in the combat against the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed epidemic preventive measures in Macao.

Keynote speakers at the seminar included Dr Lo Iek Long, consultant pulmonologist and clinical director at the Conde de São Januário General Hospital (CHCSJ) and president of the Macao Youth Federation; Dr Tai Wa Hou, consultant neurosurgeon at the CHCSJ, consultant to the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR and president of the Macau Association of Health Service Executives; and Prof Xiang Yutao, professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences at UM.

Dr Lo told the audience that Macao’s initial success in the fight against COVID-19 was attributed to the government’s scientific and effective policies, as well as the active cooperation of all Macao residents. He urged everyone to learn from the pandemic and to do their best, both academically and at work, because that alone would be the greatest contribution to Macao and China during the pandemic. Dr Lo also reminded everyone to stay vigilant and continue to follow all preventive measures because the pandemic was not over yet.

Dr Tai is one of the main persons in charge of the COVID-19 nucleic acid testing in Macao. During the seminar, he explained the principles and functions of the test and told stories behind the preventive measures adopted during the pandemic. When answering questions about the coronavirus vaccine, which was of public concern, Dr Tai called for patience, saying that vaccine development would be a long and arduous process. At this stage, the best preventive measures included controlling the source of infection, interrupting the chain of transmission, and protecting those who are particularly susceptible to the virus.  

Prof Xiang’s research team began paying attention to the mental health of COVID-19 patients immediately after the outbreak of the coronavirus. His team has done numerous studies in this area and has published a series of influential articles that have provided important insights for those fighting the pandemic worldwide.