Macau continues to tighten travel restrictions due to Covid-19 cases

Macau has decided to strengthen restrictions again due to a rise cases of Covid-19 in mainland China.

Macau.- Authorities have imposed new travel restrictions on incoming travellers from mainland China, including those from Macau’s neighbouring city of Zhuhai in Guangdong province.

As of 6am on Sunday, inbound travellers from Zhuhai must present a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid test result obtained in the previous 24 hours instead of in the previously set 48 hours.

Authorities in Zhuhai have tightened travel restrictions after seeing a rising number of Covid-19 infections in the city. Mass testing of the city’s entire population began on Sunday and will end on Tuesday, according to Zhuhai’s health department.

In addition, Macau health authorities have added more locations in mainland provinces to the list of places from which passengers must undergo quarantine upon arrival in Macau. Quarantine requirements also include departing passengers from multiple locations.

Elsie Ao Ieong U, Macau’s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, has announced authorities are analysing the possibility of requiring proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid test result for admission to indoor venues.

Hong Kong-China travel bubble likely to be delayed

The chief executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, has said that an outbreak of Omicron variant Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong may hinder the city’s chances of reaching a quarantine-free travel arrangement with mainland China.

The reopening of the border between Hong Kong and Macau is eagerly awaited as Hong Kong has historically accounted for 15 per cent to 20 per cent of Macau’s total gaming revenue.