Senior members of the Macao Chamber of Commerce (ACM) have urged the government to attract more professionals to the city and relax some of its pandemic restrictions.
They put forward their suggestions during a meeting with Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U prior to the government’s 2023 Policy Address, which is slated to be delivered by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng next month.
During the meeting, ACM President Frederico Ma Chi Ngai said that this summer’s Covid-19 outbreak had brought “serious challenges” to the government and civil society. Ma acknowledged the government’s efforts that had finally contained the novel coronavirus in the community.
Ma and his fellow members raised suggestions about various topics, such as an improved system aimed at attracting more non-local highly-qualified professionals to Macao, and improved Covid-19 prevention and control measures striking the right balance with the aim of boosting the city’s economic recovery.
Ma and his fellow members also suggested that the government “gradually relax” its restrictions implemented for those holding a yellow Macao Health Code.
Currently, those with a yellow Macao Health Code are barred from entering certain premises and facilities in the city, using public transport, and entering mainland China from Macao.
A person’s health code indicates yellow due to various reasons, such as those still practising post-hotel-quarantine self-health management after arriving in Macao from countries and regions affected by Covid-19.
In addition, those who have booked a nucleic acid test (NAT) after coming down with Covid-19 symptoms will also have their Macao Health Code turn yellow. Their health code will only return to green after their test has come up with a negative result.
Moreover, those in various special groups who have been required by the government to undergo a NAT will also have their health code turn yellow if they fail to undergo the test in compliance with the government’s required schedule.
Ao Ieong thanked the business sector for cooperating with the government in its battle against the summer Covid-19 outbreak, including its implementation of 12-day “relatively static” restrictions on people’s movements and operations of businesses in July.
Ao Ieong also briefed ACM members about the government’s plans for its next year’s policies and measures in improving residents’ daily lives, supporting the development of new industries, and strengthening Macao’s cooperation with neighbouring regions, The Macau Post Daily reported.
