The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) announced in a statement yesterday the cancellation of the Macau International Music Festival-Music October, in line with the government’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
The statement added that some outreach activities in conjunction with the festival could, however, still be held, depending on the pandemic situation.
The bureau said it would continue to monitor the novel coronavirus situation, follow the anti-epidemic guidelines of the Health Bureau (SSM) and implement measures accordingly.
The statement added that updated information about the Cultural Affairs Bureau can be found on its website at www.icm.gov.mo, the “IC Art” Facebook page or its WeChat account “IC_Art_Macao”.
The undated handout photo provided by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAM) this week shows a temporary shelter for students and their parents at an undisclosed location, providing 402 sleeping pads.
IAS COVID-19 arrangements
The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) announced in a statement yesterday that the results of the first round of nucleic acid tests (NAT) conducted at the Asilo Vila Madalena retirement home all came back negative.
The home for the elderly in Coloane has been under closed-loop management and is currently closed to visitors, the statement pointed out.
In order to monitor health conditions and safeguard personal and public health, the statement underlined that the Social Affairs Bureau and the Health Bureau (SSM) will arrange more nucleic acid tests at the retirement home in the following days, adding that both bureaus will continue to ensure that the needs of the facility’s senior citizens and staff are met.
The statement urged the relatives of the home’s residents and others who have visited the facility on or after September 28 to monitor their health and to avoid going out and having unnecessary contact with other people.
The statement noted that enquiries can be made by contacting the bureau on 66889184.
In addition, a separate IAS statement announced that Caritas Macau’s “Vui Ieng Service Centre” in Ilha Verde district increased its temporary accommodation capacity from 332 to 402 sleeping pads thanks to coordination with the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) and the Ilha Verde Secondary School of the Macau Chamber of Commerce.
The undated handout photo provided by the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEDJ) this week shows cross-border students signing up to stay on a designated school campus.
DSEDJ continues to provide support for cross-border students
Meanwhile, in cooperation with local schools, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) is assisting cross-border students affected by the recently more restrictive border-crossing arrangements due to the worsening COVID-19 situation, according to a statement by the bureau yesterday.
The statement pointed out that there are around 1,000 cross-border students currently staying in Macau, adding that over 500 of them and their parents who do not have a home in Macau are now staying in youth hostels and school dormitories with their daily necessities and meal arrangements provided.
The statement noted that the bureau plans to prepare equipment and facilitate learning environments to allow students to study where they are currently situated.
Understanding that the situation may have caused feelings of discomfort and anxiety among the affected students, the statement underlined that the bureau has arranged for counsellors to offer support and advice.
The statement pointed out that the bureau is providing basic assistance to cross-border students and will make future preparations in response to changes in the pandemic situation.
