Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has issued an executive order for Macao’s non-emergency public services, including much of the Legal Affairs Bureau, to stay closed until 1 July.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cut a swathe through the city – with case numbers currently at 190 and numerous parts of Macao under strict lockdown – Ho issued the emergency communique in an attempt to prevent the virus spreading further.
The emergency regulations do not prevent leaders of the public sector from arranging public administration staff to go to work or provide services to support epidemic prevention or anything else in the public interest. The Chief Executive’s instructions will come into force tomorrow.
Civil servants who are not working as a result of the order are instructed to stay at home to reduce the movement of people in the community and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Finally, the government called on businesses providing non-emergency and essential services to suspend business until 1 July. Bars, beauty salons, barber shops and other places of entertainment have already been shuttered, and restaurants may not allow customers to dine in. For food, only takeaway service is available. Citizens should stay at home unless necessary, and minimise the movement and gathering of people to reduce the risk of the spread of the new coronavirus.
The Legal Affairs Bureau will also suspend all external public services (including registration and notary services and judicial aid services) from 27 June to 1 July, except for emergency services for death registration. Death registration services will take place on the second floor of the Public Administration Building from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. In case of emergency, members of the public should call for enquiry from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. For registration and notary services, call 2855 0110, and for legal aid services, call 2853 3540.
