Our Desk | (One of the) Most creative times in Macau

Anthony Lam

While the Covid-19 outbreak has been officially categorized as a pandemic, with the tally rising drastically every day around the world, Macau is trying its best to contain the spread of the virus.
As advised, if not repeatedly reminded, by the government, people have tried their best to stay indoors and avoid forming groups or joining gatherings. The effort has lasted for about two months, having begun about the time of the Lunar New Year.
Following my previous article applauding some of the best creativity shone during this special time in the history of the city, I am taking one extra step to talk about other creative matters that I have seen in the past months.
Let us not forget that we are a Creative City of Gastronomy. Although the tourism regulator – and not the culture regulator – has recently been busied with epidemic containment and could not free itself to highlight that accolade, we still are.
It has been – and still is – a difficult time for the people living here, from here, or desiring to visit here.
The people living here experienced the most unusual and even frightening fortnight. It So many establishments were closed during that period: casinos, hotels, karaokes, bars and pubs, restaurants, and even supermarkets. The city literally stopped running.
However, like I said, we are a Creative City of Gastronomy – it’s an accreditation from the UNESCO! To cope with the difficult time, restaurants started turning their focus to takeaway services.
Afterwards, the food delivery industry boomed. Food items previously less popular as delivery, such as fresh oysters and sashimi, were also sent to households too.
On the other hand, some eateries that had resisted the use of delivery apps changed their minds in their period and joined all platforms!
Even now, many eateries and restaurants still submit their dine-in services to takeaway, but they have survived so far after all.
The continuing education field has faced a tough time too, with all centers closed for more than a month. When no class was running, no income could be earned. But the electricity, water, and rental bills came in as usual.
As far as I understand, many continuing education centers followed the education regulator’s policy for formal schools, which is to adopt online teaching as an alternative to on-site classes. Accordingly, some education centers maintained classes but taught them over the internet.
At the same time, some sports centers managed to maintain their exposure by teaching Internet users basic workout movements that are practical at home.
Oh yes! Even our dear lawmaker Mak Soi Kun has recently said that he had mastered the skill of making Char-siu – Cantonese barbecued pork – at home during the special period. It is unclear how he has learnt the skill, but he has admitted that he has built a belly after all this time. What a lesson!