The Macao government believes that around 115,000 people have already tested positive for Covid-19 since a series of pandemic restrictions and control measures in the city were cancelled by local health authorities over the last few days.
“We don’t have the exact number, but our estimate is based on data and information we have that point to 1/6 of the population having been infected with the Omicron virus, or approximately 155,000 people,” Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U said today. Macao currently has a population of 671,900.
Previously, Ao said in a recent press conference that the local government expected around 80 per cent of the population to contract the Omicron variant that she said is quick to spread but not as lethal as the previous variants.
According to Ao, one quarter of the city’s hospital workers have already tested positive but said that only 40 per cent of the 6,600 medical facilities’ beds available for serious cases are occupied so far.
She added, “We estimate that the peak of [contagion] will occur this week or next, but after that peak there will be another week where patients with the most serious conditions may become infected.”
The secretary assured that there is enough medicine in hospitals and community clinics and there is no need to rush to buy supplies at local pharmacies. However, there have been reports that antipyretics have run out in many of the city’s pharmacies.
“We are prepared for any situation and we are buying more medicine so there is no need to hurry,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ao also justified the border opening to Hong Kong visitors, saying that the contagion rate in the neighbouring SAR is 5 per cent lower than that in Macao, so it will not increase the risk of contagion in Macao.
The decision was taken into account not only because of the low contagion rate in Hong Kong, but also the need to channel human resources from hospital services to other tasks, namely to support people with special needs and the elderly.
Macao’s current Covid-19 outbreak has affected banks, public services, restaurants, convenience stores, hotels and casinos, with many people having already tested positive. Many shops and restaurants across the city have also been forced to close due to lack of staff.
Meanwhile, in the light of Macao’s border opening to Hong Kong visitors, the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) announced that ferry services between Taipa Ferry Terminal and the Skypier at Hong Kong International Airport will resume on 30 December, with one round-trip service on Friday and Sunday.
