The local government on Sunday raised its infectious disease alert level to 3, which denotes a “serious” situation.
Level 3 indicates a medium risk, 5 being the highest alert level.
The decision was taken in the wake of an increase of viral pneumonia cases in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province.
The higher alert level was announced during a press conference by the Health Bureau (SSM) at the public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre. SSM officials revealed during the press conference that so far five suspected cases have been recorded, but they were quick to add that four of the patients have meanwhile been discharged from hospital. The fifth patient, a 44-year-old woman, who has a fever, is undergoing treatment in the public hospital’s isolation ward. The officials described her isolation as a precautionary measure.
The officials also announced that all gamblers and staff members will have to pass through temperature checks when entering casino premises.
The press conference was held after an interdepartmental meeting earlier yesterday on the potential threat caused by the current cases of pneumonia of unknown aetiology in Wuhan. The meeting was headed by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U. The press conference was chaired by Health Bureau Director Lei Chin Ion.
The control measures include temperature checks at the local airport.
According to the Macau Post Daily, the SSM statement urged residents “not to panic” but instead to pay close attention to their personal and environmental hygiene and also to raise their prevention awareness.
