Following a comprehensive assessment by the Health Bureau (SSM) and the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), three schools and a childcare centre have been selected for the implementation of no-smoking zones from today, according to a SSM statement yesterday.
The statement pointed out that Escola Luso-Chinesa da Taipa (氹仔中葡學校), Macau Kung Luen Vocational & Technical Middle School, Escola Estrela do Mar (Primary School Section) (澳門海星中學-附屬小學), and the Kindergarten of Crèche Diocesana Helen Liang – Centro Familiar (澳門教區梁文燕托兒所), start today to enforce no-smoking zones around their entrances.
The statement noted that, from now on, smoking is prohibited within 10 metres of both sides of the schools’ main entrances. White boundary lines and no-smoking signs have been painted on the ground to demarcate the smoking areas from no-smoking zones, and high visible statutory no-smoking signs have also been posted outside the entrances to remind individuals entering the restricted zones, the statement said.
The statement added that the demarcation model is identical to the one currently used for no-smoking areas at bus stops. Individuals caught violating the smoking ban will be subject to a fine of 1,500 patacas.
After evaluating the effectiveness of these four pilot sites, the Health Bureau will progressively extend the no-smoking measures to other schools and childcare centres across Macau, aiming to better protect the health of minors and foster a smoke-free, healthy living environment, the statement said.
In the statement, the Health Bureau once again urged smokers to quit for the sake of their own health and that of their families. Individuals intending to quit smoking can seek referrals through Health Centres or public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ), make appointments via “Macao One Account” app, or call 2848 1238 during office hours.
For further details, please visit the “Macao Tobacco Control Information Website” (https://www.ssm.gov.mo/apps1/smokefree/ch.aspx#clg3504) or dial 2855 6789.
This undated handout photo provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows the no-smoking zone established around the Escola Luso-Chinesa da Taipa’s (氹仔中葡學校) entrance.
