Macau debates extending Covid-19 test validity for travellers

Currently, cross-border travellers must present a negative test result no more than a week old, but the period could be extended to two weeks. 

Macau.- Chief executive Ho Iat Seng has said the SAR government is considering extending the period of validity of Covid-19 tests for visitors to Macau.

Speaking at a gala event marking China’s 71st anniversary celebrations, he said the current obligation to show a negative test result no more than seven days old could be extended to 14 days.

He said he does not expect further relaxation of borders soon, but extending the period of acceptance for test results could encourage more people to cross into Macau for visits.

Ho said: “We are discussing with the National Health Commission about the conditions for gradually releasing preventive measures.”   

This week it was revealed that talks on the addition of Hong Kong to the current travel bubble with mainland China have also resumed.

Average daily visitation to the city has reached 18,000, and Ho expects that to hit 20,000 for Golden Week.