From tomorrow, Macau's live-out domestic helpers must undergo daily nucleic acid tests (NATs), the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announced at its regular press conference this afternoon.
The tests are free of charge.
Health Bureau (SSM) Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Division Chief Leong Iek Hou stressed that the live-out domestic helpers also must continue to self-test for COVID-19 every day. The government has distributed rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to people in Macau during the current COVID-19 Omicron BA.5 subvariant outbreak, the first case of which was detected on June 18.
There are very few "live-in" domestic helpers in Macau. Most domestic helpers live in shared accommodation rented by themselves, often in crowded flats in old walkups.
According to the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), 24,543 non-local domestic workers were authorised to work in Macau at the end of May. Most non-resident workers employed as domestic helpers are from the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Chinese mainland, according to DSAL data.
The government imposed a "stay-at-home" order for all in Macau this week. However, people can go shopping and buy takeaways. Most businesses including casinos are closed by government order this week. However, restaurants selling takeaways, pharmacies, supermarkets, wet markets and media companies have been allowed to stay open.
According to this afternoon's press conference, the government will announce its special COVID-19 control measures for next week at the centre's daily press conference tomorrow afternoon.
