Residents told future infectious diseases building is safe

A number of residents against the construction of a center for the treatment of infectious diseases – to be built beside a public hospital downtown – recently visited a temporary treatment facility in Coloane.
The residents toured the temporary facilities together Health Bureau (SSM) officials. Tam and his entourage assured visitors that the building was safe.
At a press conference after the visit, officials said that the upcoming treatment center – which will have 120 wards and is slated for construction later this year – meets the standards set out by the World Health Organization. The center has drawn opposition from more than 1,500 locals, due to its proximity to a nearby residential area.
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, mentioned that the facility was set up in response to previous pandemics such as Ebola and SARS. He also remarked that Macau must be ready “for the eventuality of an outbreak.”
“We must do it for public safety,” he concluded. However, residents in the area are concerned that viruses may spread beyond the facility.
During the recent tour, physicians reassured visiting residents that the air within the building is properly filtered by two different systems prior to expulsion. One of them relies on a unique Ultra Violet sterilization system that is superior to local hospitals.
When questioned about transportation around the area, Alexis Tam indicated that talks with other government bodies are underway, so as to ensure the safety and welfare of residents.  Matters under discussion include transport arrangements for future visitors to the facility. Staff reporter