Macau To Impose Lockdown If Massive Outbreak Occurs

Macau authorities said the SAR could enter a citywide lockdown if a large-scale Covid-19 outbreak happens there.

The Macau government on Thursday announced a raft of measures to fight a potential community outbreak.

Announcing the emergency pandemic prevention plan, Macau’s health bureau director Alvis Lo said it would be difficult to detect people who could have been infected with Omicron but show no or mild symptoms, so it is necessary to be well-prepared.

“It doesn’t mean that we foresee a local outbreak in the near future. But at this stage, we have to think about how we can support the people if this happens,” he said.

“By announcing our plan now, we are listening to different opinions among the general public, and are continuing to improve and refine our work.”

In case of a massive outbreak, the government will set up 15 special teams to implement epidemic-prevention work under the leadership of the chief executive.

The teams will work in areas such as community management and large-scale testing.

Health authorities also said they are ready to turn two sport facilities into community treatment centres, providing up to 1,400 beds.

That's in addition to 266 isolation beds currently available.

Authorities also announced plans to convert 1,000 hotel rooms for medical surveillance purposes, and build a temporary hospital with 1,000 beds.

The Covid situation will be assessed under five levels, and under the worst-case scenario, residents will be ordered to stay home.

Lo noted that authorities would ensure people have sufficient supplies while under lockdown.

Macau has so far reported 82 confirmed Covid cases and no deaths.