Macao stopped, as of this Monday, requiring the use of a mask in outdoor spaces, lifting one of the last restrictions imposed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement released this Sunday, the New Type of Coronavirus Contingency Coordination Center indicated that, “under normal circumstances”, the use of a mask outside will not be mandatory.
However, the use of a mask is still mandatory to enter medical institutions, nursing homes and rehabilitation or public transport, with the exception of taxis, the center stressed.
As for other closed spaces, “the competent authorities will evaluate and decide whether or not the use of a mask is necessary”, taking into account the pandemic situation, ventilation, the number and density of people and the nature and duration of the activities. the statement said.
Already today, the Commissariat against Corruption, the Institute for Social Action and the courts of Macao confirmed that the use of a mask is still mandatory to enter the premises of these public entities.
The Contingency Coordination Center for the New Type of Coronavirus defended that the use of a mask should be required in “activities with a large crowd of people” or in the face of “the occurrence of cases of collective contagion in daycare centers and non-higher education centers”. institutions”.
The statement also stressed that the requirement to wear a mask indoors in Macau could be adjusted later, “according to the actual situation.”
In mid-December, after three years, the city abandoned the ‘Covid zero’ policy, with the imposition of quarantines, confinements and massive tests and the situation “has remained stable” since the beginning of the year, the center stressed.
The Chinese special administrative region has officially recorded 3,514 Covid-19 cases and 121 deaths since the start of the pandemic, with the latest SARS-CoV-2-related death taking place on February 2.
The center stressed that the decision was made “taking into account prevention and control experiences around the world.”
Taiwan last week lifted most of the restrictions due to Covid-19, including the mandatory wearing of a mask, while in Japan the government is expected to do the same when the current rules expire on March 13.
The Hong Kong region thus becomes the only Chinese jurisdiction where the use of a mask remains mandatory in all outdoor spaces, a measure extended for another 14 days on February 23.
Source: TSF
