Under the nucleic acid testing (NAT) scheme, the first test is free of charge for all Macao residents and non-resident workers (informally known as blue card holders), but follow-up tests cost MOP 120 each. However, all other kinds of travellers have to pay for each test – no fee exemption even for the first test.
The Health Bureau (SSM) has been collecting samples from those undergoing their nucleic acid tests only via nasopharyngeal swabs, including the COVID-19 testing at the Macau Forum testing station. Those who want to have their sample collected via an oropharyngeal swab will have to undergo the tests at the Pac On testing station, which has been operated by Kuok Kim.
During Thursday’s press conference, Alvis Lo Iek Long, a clinical director of the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre, pointed out that from today residents can choose Kiang Wu Hospital on the NAT scheme’s online appointment system. Lo also said that the COVID-19 test results will be displayed on the Macao Health Code of those who have undergone their nucleic acid tests at Kiang Wu Hospital, meaning that the government’s NAT programme will now have one more third-party testing institution.
(The Macau Post Daily/Macau News)
