The Macau government has sold more than 76 million facemasks to residents and non-resident workers since late January, the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announced today at its daily press conference about the local situation of COVID-19.
The 14th 10-day round of "government facemasks" - as they are colloquially known - will start on Monday, officials said at the press conference, pointing out that the government is studying new recommendations for using the facemasks, considering that Macau has not confirmed a new COVID-19 case for 51 days.
Under the government's purchase programme, the facemasks are sold at designated pharmacies, health centres and community association outlets. Residents and non-resident workers have the right to buy 10 facemasks for 8 patacas (US$1) in each round.
Currently, it is mandatory to wear facemasks when entering public administration premises and casinos, as well as on public transport, both for drivers and passengers, including taxis.
Junior primary school pupils return to in-class teaching on Monday. Other segments of pupils returned gradually to their classrooms in the past few weeks. Pupils and teaches are obligated to wear masks on school premises.
Macau had a population of 696,100 at the end of March, according to official statistics.
Facemasks at commercial prices are also available in the private market.
2nd round of COVID-19 support to start next month
Meanwhile, Secretary for Administration and Justice Andre Cheong Weng Chon announced at a separate press conference today that employees, the self-employed, professionals and companies will receive financial support from next month, as one of the government's measures to tackle the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cheong is also the spokesman for the Executive Council, the government's top advisory body.
Under the support scheme, employees will receive a one-off grant of 15,000 patacas, while self-employed residents such as market vendors, fishermen, tour guides and market stall owners will receive 10,000 patacas.
Civil servants are excluded from the scheme.
Companies will receive a one-off grant ranging between 50,000 patacas and 200,000 patacas, depending on the number of employees.
Cheong stressed that the financial support will not be granted automatically but requires proof of the potential beneficiaries' business and professional activities.
