The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) urged yesterday domestic helpers and their employers to follow the government’s special COVID-19 prevention curbs for this week, with those violating them being subject to criminal prosecution.
According to a statement by the bureau yesterday, based on Executive Order No. 115/2022, most industries, commercial companies and venues are required to suspend operation from today until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, while everyone is instructed to stay at home.
Domestic helpers, the statement noted, can travel from their place of residence to their employer’s home for work, but must wear a KN95 facemask or a facemask of a higher standard when outside. Before getting on a bus, they must present both a valid green Macau Health Code and their “blue card” stating their position, as well as following the bus driver’s instructions.
The statement pointed out that the prevention measures are currently at a “critical stage”, with domestic helpers required to stay home unless going to their employers to work, buying daily necessities or during emergencies. Moreover, they “are not allowed to stay or gather in public places”.
Police patrols have recently been reinforced, the statement said. According to the Law on the Prevention, Control and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, any resident or non-resident employee violating rules on going outside or not wearing a KN95 facemask shall be liable to imprisonment of up to two years or a hefty fine, the statement said.
The bureau urged the public to follow the government’s COVID-19 prevention measures, adding that domestic helpers and their employers must both cooperate with the government’s pandemic prevention work by reducing the unnecessary flow of people, avoiding gatherings and lowering the risk of spreading the virus.
