By yesterday evening, health workers had collected 349,842 samples during the fifth mass-testing drive since the BA.5.1 Omicron variant outbreak on 18 June. They recorded 153,996 negative results, however 16 mixed samples (10 samples per tube) tested positive.
The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre appealed to residents to book and complete the test as soon as possible, so that potential cases can be detected as soon as possible.
Before going to the NAT stations to get tested, residents must first perform a rapid antigen test (RAT) by themselves at home. If tested negative, they should go to the NAT station for sampling as scheduled. Upon entry into the NAT station, they must present a health code containing a RAT negative result or a photo showing a RAT negative result; otherwise, such entry would be denied.
If the RAT result is positive, regardless of whether having fever, respiratory symptoms or other discomfort, the individual should call an ambulance (Tel: 119, 120 or 2857 2222) and report the result through the Macao Health Code. The declarant and any fellow residents must stay at home and wait to be transferred to the quarantine site.
The centre reminded residents that there is no exemption period for the fifth citywide NAT programme. Anyone who remains untested after 6 pm this evening will be assigned a yellow health code. They will be taken by the police to undergo sampling, and will not be allowed to leave the venue until their test returns as negative. People who refuse to take the test will be subject to medical observation for 14 days.
