The government announced yesterday it will impose harsh lockdown measures which include imprisonment for up to two years for anyone breaking rules between 11-18 July.
Lei Tak Fai, Head of the Public Security Police Force’s Public Relations, said that according to the Law on the Prevention, Control and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, there will be legal consequences for anyone found wandering on the streets without an urgent reason or not using KN95 or N95 masks required by the government.
These include imprisonment for up to two years or a maximum fine of 240 days. Macao News spoke to a Macao lawyer who clarified that the daily amount of the “fine” is assessed and decided by a judge pursuant to, namely, the financial possibilities (eg income) of the defendant. The total fine amount equals 240 days multiplied by the daily amount.
“People will not be allowed to exercise outdoors. Only those who need to buy essential things will be allowed on the streets.”
He continued to say that deliveries to individuals in the city’s 31 Red Code Zones or quarantine hotels will also not be allowed unless it is a matter of life or death (ie. important medication).
During the press conference, he also said taking your pets out to potty is considered not essential and therefore also not allowed. These measures, he said, will be put in place to reduce the number of people on streets and put an end to the spread of Covid-19 in Macao.
The Municipal Affairs Bureau has since told multiple worried parties over the phone that walking your dog is in fact allowed though no official statement has been released. Macao News has asked for clarification and is awaiting a reply.
Director of Health Bureau Alvis Lo Iek Long said urgent medical operations and services like haemodialysis are not being delayed due to the current outbreak.
Meanwhile, Hon Wai, President of the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) said that in the present situation, “families that don’t know how to face the moment and the psychological stress can call and ask IAS for advice and support. Families and friends are very important in the present moment, it’s a perfect time for families to be together and support one another”.
As of midnight last night, Macao recorded 1,467 Covid-19 cases, with a total of 19,015 people under follow-up which include 2,936 close contacts. Among the confirmed cases, 791 are females and 676 are males, 931 are asymptomatic while 536 are symptomatic.
The Novel Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Centre said 36 more infected people were discharged from the hospital yesterday, bringing the total number of people discharged to 93.
All individuals in industries considered essential services (public transportation, taxis, restaurants and food delivery) which will be allowed to remain open must undergo a NAT every day.
Key groups (security, cleaning and property management staff) will also need to undergo NATs every day. These daily NATs will be counted towards the citywide mass testing, so individuals will not need to undergo two NATs.
As of yesterday, there were 5,167 people under quarantine in medical observation hotels – 4,579 in general designated and 588 in special designated hotels – comprising 3,777 local residents, 720 non-locals and 670 tourists.
The 70-room Rocks Hotel at the Fisherman’s Wharf has been added to the list of hotels helping the government during this outbreak. It will be used for medical observation for people with yellow health codes.
