DILI, 21 july 2021 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s charismatic leader, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão received his second dose of the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, on wednesday.
Gusmão received the vaccine at Fatumeta Clinic in Dili, at around 09:05 am, local time.
After taking the vaccine, he said millions of people across the world had died because of the COVID-19, while millions of others were under treatment, calling on Timorese people to visit the nearest vaccine centers to take their jabs.
“I call on my fellow Timorese to take care of yourselves. As we all know, in Dili, the vaccination rates still remained low in Cristo Rei, Dom Aleixo, and Atauro Island. Vaccines are important to save yourselves, your people, and the people around you. The Chief of the village and Sub-Villages of these three administrative posts need to mobilize their communities to receive the vaccines,” Gusmão made the comments at Fatumeta Clinic, in Dili, today.
Gusmão said last year since the outbreak of the pandemic took place in the country, he visited many places across the country, to alert the communities regarding the danger of the Covid-19.
“Again, I want communities of Cristo Rei, Dom Aleixo, and Atauro Island to put aside your doubts and protect yourselves, your family, and the people around you by getting vaccinated. The vaccines are free for everyone. Sending you all a very big hug from me,” said Gusmão.
In addition, the Vice Secretary of the Dili Municipal Authority, António Clau said according to the official data given by the Authorities of Dili Municipal Health Service, of the 148.000 population of the Dom Aleixo Administrative Post, around 85.270 are eligible to receive the vaccine, saying so far, only 36.305 people had been fully vaccinated, while 48.965 people haven’t vaccinated.
As of 21 july, 253.780 Timorese over the age of 18 have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which represents roughly 33.6 percent of the 754.864 eligible groups in the country. Of the number, around 65.707 (8.7%) had also received their second dose.
There has been a total of 10.205 lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Timor-Leste, with 9.440 recoveries, active cases were 739 and 26 deaths, according to data of the Ministry of Health.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
