Gov’t now focused on sourcing masks for children

Passengers wear masks to prevent an outbreak of a new coronavirus in Hong Kong (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

The number of confirmed cases in Macau of the novel coronavirus, now referred to as 2019-nCoV, was unchanged today at seven, according to information disclosed during yesterday’s daily briefing by the city’s health authorities.

The focus of today’s briefing was on the surgical mask supply in Macau.

Leong Iek Hou, a coordinator at the Health Bureau (SSM), said that the government was trying to source masks for children in the course of controlling the novel coronavirus situation, but stressed that supply is scarce as demand is small under normal conditions.

The coordinator added that the sale of such masks might not commence on February 2, as previously announced, when the second phase of the government-monitored mask sale is scheduled to begin.

In a change of policy, the government will now permit all holders of valid identification documents – namely resident identity cards (BIR) and foreign worker permits (blue cards) – are entitled to purchase a pack of 10 masks per identification at appointed chemists, regardless of the date of their last purchase.

February 2 sees the second phase of mask sale, rather than of mask import. The mask sold from that day will still be from the current stock of the SSM.

Some residents have complained about chemists reserving a particular period during the day for mask sales.

Leong explained that due to the Lunar New Year holiday, only a handful of chemists are open. The coordinator addressed the need for chemists to “pack masks according to sale standards, so they may need the morning to do so.”

One of the two cases confirmed in Zhuhai yesterday had involved travel to Macau. The SSM has contacted authorities in Zhuhai to obtain data of the concerned patient. It is now tracking down the locations that the patient visited in Macau.

Although local authorities are working diligently to gather information about the case, Leong admitted that there was limited information that could be shared at this stage.

Some 25 Macau residents are still in Hubei Province, where the coronavirus originated. Lei Wai Seng, medical director of the S. Januário Hospital, told the press conference that they have been in regular contact with the SSM and so far they reported themselves to be in favorable conditions.

Meanwhile, Leong said that limited services are still provided at the SSM’s Health Centers. The population in need can still gain access to non-critical medical support, such as renewing prescriptions, at these locations.

It has also been announced that casino operators are instructed to take measures to assist with the current situation. They should adjust their schedules to allow employees to leave Macau after work through the Border Gate, which now closes at 10 p.m. daily. Otherwise, the operators must arrange for employee transportation between the Lotus Bridge Checkpoint (Hengqin) and Gongbei.

Today should have been the first working day for banks and government departments after the five-day holidays of the Lunar New Year. After meeting with the city’s financial regulators, banks in Macau have decided to remain closed for the rest of this week. It means that they align with the government’s arrangement on extra holidays in the course of epidemic control.

Meanwhile, ferry operator TurboJET has announced service adjustments, which have already taken effect. Departure of ferry services between the Macau Outer Harbor Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong Macau Ferry Terminal at Sheung Wan are 30 minutes apart except for those between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., which are 1 hour apart.

As for airport routes, only the Macau route to the Hong Kong International Airport services is in service. Ferry services from Macau to Tsim Sha Tsui and Tun Mun are suspended.

Anthony Lam