When entering Macau via the Barrier Gate border checkpoint, Macau residents and non-resident workers whose Macau Health Code indicates green and displays a valid nucleic acid test (NAT) certificate can now be exempted from medical examinations and health inspections by Macau Health Bureau (SSM) staff and directly pass through e-channels at the checkpoint, provided that they have generated or renewed their “Macau Health Code” less than six hours before, the local government’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announced in a statement last night.
The e-channel measure took effect yesterday.
The Macau Health Code, a QR three-colour code system, started operating on May 3 when it replaced the Health Bureau’s two previous digital health declaration systems that were required at border checkpoints and for entering public administration premises, casinos and other private premises.
Yesterday’s statement pointed out that the Macau Health Code and the Guangdong version of the mainland’s health code system have been mutually recognised since May 10.
Since May 11, all arrivals from the mainland have had to show a valid NAT certificate before being allowed to enter Macau. A valid nucleic acid test certificate refers to either a certificate proving that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the past seven days, or a certificate indicating that they had had their sample collected at least 24 hours before.
A traveller’s valid NAT certificate is displayed by the Macau Health Code if they have undergone the test in Macau, while the certificate is displayed on the Guangdong version of the mainland’s health code system if they have undergone the test in medical institutions recognised by the Zhuhai or Guangdong authorities, yesterday’s statement pointed out.
Yesterday’s statement pointed out that if a traveller’s valid nucleic acid test is displayed on the Guangdong version of the mainland’s health code system, they will be required to switch the test result to the “Macau Health Code” when entering Macau.
Yesterday’s statement also announced that the Macau Health Code will now show the code’s validity time on the users’ smartphones.
Travellers enter the departure hall of the Barrier Gate border checkpoint yesterday. Courtesy: TDM
Part of Sheraton to resume quarantine role
Meanwhile, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) announced in a statement last night that it will use a section of the Sheraton Hotel in Cotai again as a quarantine hotel, as the 298-room Pousada Marina Infante hotel in Cotai is fully occupied because more people have recently been required to undergo medical observation in a government-arranged quarantine facility.
A section of the Sheraton comprising 500 rooms was previously used as one of the government quarantine hotels. At the peak, the government had booked 12 hotels for quarantine purposes.
Swimming pools reopen
Meanwhile, the Sports Bureau (ID) announced in a statement on Friday that the city’s nine public swimming pools reopened on Saturday. According to the statement, COVID-19 prevention and control measures are carried out in the public swimming pools, such as swimmers must wear a facemask when entering the facilities, undergo a temperature check and show their Macau Health Code. The statement also said that a smaller number of swimmers than normal are allowed to enter the swimming pools. Staff will also strengthen cleaning and disinfection tasks.
Macau has not confirmed a new COVID-19 case in 60 days.
