Macau hasn't confirmed a new COVID-19 case in 16 days, the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announced at its daily press conference about the novel coronavirus disease today.
According to the press conference, 18 of Macau's 45 COVID-19 remain hospitalised. Macau confirmed its first novel coronavirus disease case on January 22. The Health Bureau has classified all but less than a handful of the cases as imported, mostly involving local students who returned from their studies overseas.
Senior public hospital doctor Alvis Lo Iek Long told the press conference that for the time being Macau's strict entry restrictions would remain in place as the global COVID-19 situation was still unstable. He also said the restrictions would be eased gradually in line with the global situation. Unlike Hong Kong, Macau has been spared a community outbreak of the highly infectious disease.
Observers say that almost all pedestrians in Macau wear facemasks, which are mandatory to enter public administration buildings and casinos. Public transport drivers and passengers also are required to wear facemasks. Temperature checks are also required to enter public administration premises and casinos. Many private businesses such as cafes and restaurants also measure people's temperatures before allowing them in.
Foreigners without a local residence permit are barred from entering Macau. Ferry links with Hong Kong have been suspended since February.
