An apparent surge in deaths, particularly among the elderly, comes as Macao drops its Covid-19 mitigation measures and reopens its borders.
COVID-19 vaccine
The move has been greeted positively in a city that has endured mask-wearing for the three-year Covid-19 pandemic. One lawmaker called it a “return to normality.”
Both victims were men, aged 56 and 63, and suffered from serious medical conditions; 13 Covid-related deaths recorded in Macao so far.
Special BioNTech mRNA vaccine for very young kids due to arrive in Macao next month or in November; amount of doses unknown.
Potential employees must be double-jabbed and can only work in certain households; pilot scheme may open the door to foreign teachers in future.
Health officials stress evidence from Hong Kong that getting inoculated is best way to prevent serious condition or death.
Rapid test kits, currently given to key workers such as prison guards and supermarket staff, stockpiled in case of major Covid-19 outbreak.
Health chief Leong Iek Hou says arrivals from the mainland may be required to have been vaccinated against the novel coronavirus at some stage in the future.
Classes will continue as normal for primary and secondary pupils, unlike higher education students who must be vaccinated or take a weekly test for Covid-19.