To combat the spread of Covid-19, Macao has designated many buildings as either Yellow or Red Code Zones, introducing different restrictions and public health measures for residents living in both.
If you suddenly find yourself living in one of these zones, we have put together a list of what you can and cannot do.
Yellow Code Zone (also known as a precautionary zone)
Why did my building become a Yellow Code Zone?
If your building has been classified as a Yellow Code Zone, it means that one household (rather than one person) has tested positive for Covid-19. If your building was previously a Red Code Zone (see below), it may be changed to a Yellow Code Zone if, after everyone in the building undergoes one nucleic acid test (NAT), your building meets the requirements to be down-listed to a precautionary area.
What do I need to do to get a green health code again?
You need to take a NAT on days 1, 2, 4 and 7 after your building has been designated a Yellow Code Zone. Day 1 starts the day after your building has been classified as a Yellow Code Zone. You can check the list of testing centres for yellow code holders below. You must also take a rapid antigen test (RAT) on days 3, 5 and 6 after your building has been designated a Yellow Code Zone. Your health code will appear green if your NAT result is negative on day 8.
What am I allowed to do with a yellow code?
– Leave your building
– Go for a walk, although everyone in Macao is currently advised by the government to stay at home unless there are urgent reasons to go out
– Go to work, with your employer’s approval, and as long as the work location is not a public space
– Take taxis, but only if you do not have Covid-19 symptoms, and you must inform the driver of your health status
– Go to the hospital if you have proof of a negative RAT
– Leave to take a NAT* (you must first produce a negative RAT result before heading to a testing station)
– Walk your pets
– Have food delivered (note: food orders can only be delivered to lobbies)
[Read more: The Macao News guide on how to use a rapid antigen test and register your results on the Macao Health Code]
What can’t I do with a yellow code?
– Go to public spaces like government buildings and shopping malls
– Go to wet markets, supermarkets or convenience stores (those who need to buy food may ask help from friends and/or relatives, or call the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre and Municipal Affairs Bureau at 2870 0800 to arrange for assistance)
– Go to restaurants
– Go to shops
– Take public transport
– Leave Macao
Which testing centres can I go to if I have a Yellow Code?
Only six NAT centres are open to yellow code holders (except during citywide testing drives). The booking link is the same as the citywide mass testing link.
– Kuo Kim (Pac On)
– Kiang Wu Hospital
– University Hospital
– Kuo Kim (Macao Forum)
– Macao Federation of Trade Unions Workers Stadium
– Namyue Qingmao Port
Remember:
Those holding a yellow code can only take a nasopharyngeal (through the nose) NAT. Yellow code holders are not eligible to take oropharyngeal (through the mouth) NATs per the latest regulation.
Even though some activities are permitted, you must still follow all Covid-19 measures imposed on Yellow Code Zones – including monitoring yourself for any Covid-19 symptoms and minding strict hygiene and health safety precautions, such as avoiding gatherings or crowds, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
Visit this page to see other reasons why you may have a yellow health code.
Red Code Zone (also known as a “lockdown” zone)
Why did my building become a Red Code Zone?
The Red Code Zone classification is imposed when two or more households (not just two individual people, but rather two separate apartment units) have reported positive for Covid-19. When the number of Covid-positive households in your building has been reduced to one, the building will be reclassified as a Yellow Code Zone (see above).
What do I need to do to get a green health code again?
You must take a NAT on days 1 and 5 after the building has been classified as a Red Code Zone (day 1 counts as the day after a building is given the designation). There will be testing units on-site, so there is no need to go to a testing centre. Additionally, you must take a RAT at home on days 2, 3 and 4 after the building has been classified as a Red Code Zone and upload the results onto the Macao Health Code.
If there are no indications the virus has spread within your building during the time period and you present a negative result on day 5, your health code will be converted to yellow on day 6.
You must take another NAT on day 7; your health code will become green if your results from that test are negative on day 8.
What am I allowed to do with a Red Code Zone?
– Enter your residential building
– Pick up goods by the door or at indicated locations (the Municipal Affairs Bureau’s Subsistence Team will deliver boxed meals each day to those who need special care)
– Go to the hospital (only as arranged by health authorities)
– Receive food supplies but only between 3-5 pm every day
– Place rubbish bags outside your apartment door, but only between 6-8 pm for health staff to collect later
What can’t I do with a red code?
– Leave the building
– Leave your apartment (unless instructed by health authorities)
– Linger in the halls or any other parts of the building outside your home
– Visit your neighbours’ homes
– Order food deliveries (such as via the mFood and Aomi apps)
– Walk your pets
– Leave Macao
If you have a red code but have not been contacted by the authorities yet, you may contact the infectious disease hotline at 2871 5765. In the meantime, you must continue to self-isolate at home. Visit this page to see other reasons why your health code may be red.
