RAT tests rolled out as city logs four Covid-19 positives in a single day
As the city saw four new positive SARS-CoV-2 results yesterday, the Health Bureau (SSM) has triggered tighter measures, such as regular tests and shortened Covid-19 test validity, in response.
The government requires all people in Macau to conduct a rapid antigen test (RAT) each day from yesterday until November 1.
Failing to declare a valid RAT result will result in the health code of the test-taker being converted to yellow the following day. To regain a green code, the test-taker should upload a negative RAT result within the day. Otherwise, the yellow code will remain and can only be converted to green with a negative NAT result (which the test-taker must pay for out of pocket).
On the other hand, a positive RAT result declared on the platform will result in the test-taker’s health code becoming red immediately. These test-takers should call an ambulance to deliver them to a NAT facility at the public hospital. All people in the same household should remain in the residence unless otherwise instructed by health personnel.
An incorrectly-declared result can be rectified immediately with a follow-up declaration of a negative result.
The Social Welfare Bureau announced that social service facilities will offer assistance to the elderly carrying out RATs until November 1.
Meanwhile, the SSM has also immediately identified the buildings in which the four Covid-positive patients were located as a Red Zone. The buildings are Block I of Edifício Lai Va San Chun at Rua da Saúde n.º 43 and Block I of Edifício Arco Íris at Estrada dos Cavaleiros n.º 105.
The workplace of one of the patients, MGM Cotai, was immediately put under lockdown until further notice after the confirmation of her infection. The activities of the casino, restaurants and shops were suspended, along with all activities that would attract the gathering of crowds. The hotel has also stopped taking incoming guests.
From now until November 1, all staff and hotel guests will be quarantined on site as a preliminary measure.
In the meantime, the government has also implemented certain measures applicable to people who have remained in the MGM Cotai casino for more than half an hour between October 27 and 29. These people should have seen their health codes converted to yellow. They are required to take a RAT each day and get a negative result before taking a SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test (NAT). They should take a NAT on October 30, 31, and November 1, 3 and 5. On November 6, they should regain their green health codes unless they test positive in any of the serial NATs.
If they have a positive RAT result, they, along with any cohabiting household members, should remain where they are, call for an ambulance and get sent to a centralized quarantine facility.
The detection of the new cases has prompted the government to once again – after the June 18 outbreak – step up disease control measures. Several events set to be held yesterday, including but not limited to the Lusofonia Festival and the Macau Obstacle Challenge, were either cancelled or suspended.
NAT VALIDITY SHORTENED TO 24 HOURS
The validity period for NAT results obtained for border-crossings between Macau and Zhuhai has been shortened to 24 hours. For the time being, the change will be effective until 11:59pm on November 4. Should the Covid-19 situation improve, the validity period will be extended to 48 hours.
At yesterday’s special health press conference, Public Security Police Force (PSP) officer Lei Tak Fai stressed that whether the situation improves will be determined by both governments in Macau and Zhuhai.
Key areas have also been drawn for special NATs between yesterday and Tuesday. The areas cover parts of Fai Chi Kei and Ilha Verde, as well as a sector of T’oi-san off from the Border Gate, a part of Areia Preta to the east of the Border Gate and part of Iao Hon.
