Sports Bureau outlines protocols for Macau GP

The bureau has responded to criticism from residents for holding the international event amid the pandemic.

Macau.- The Macau Sports Bureau has outlined protocols for the upcoming Macau Grand Prix (GP).

The body has also responded to criticism from residents for having invited foreign competitors to a sporting event amid the international Covid-19 pandemic.

The event is set for November 19 to 22. International racers and their teams will have to provide negative Covid-19 tests results and undergo a 14-day quarantine.  

This has seriously impacted international participation in the event, provoking organisers to contemplate dropping the motorcycle race due to a lack of interest from competitors.

The Bureau defended the decision to hold the event as scheduled as a “prudent decision” by the Macau SAR Government considering its economic importance and social interest, following an assessment of the pandemic risks.   

It said: “Regarding the public’s concern that this edition of the Macau Grand Prix could reignite the epidemic, the Macau SAR Government has accumulated experience in preventing the epidemic.”  

The bureau noted that after entering Macau, participants will be directly taken to a designated place for medical observation for a period of 14 days and will undergo at least two nucleic acid tests. Only after confirmation of negative test results will they be allowed to participate in the event.   

Protocols will require that all visitors display the Health Code, undergo temperature checks and wear face masks. Spectators must maintain a certain distance, medical posts will be installed in different areas during the event and cars and other items “will also be rigorously disinfected and tested.” 

The bureau said: “At the moment, the promotion of economic recovery is a priority mission for the Government.

Holding the event as planned is an opportunity to positively promote Macau, to show the world that Macau is organizing the event because the region’s epidemic is under control, to regain the confidence and desire of visitors to visit us in order to promote local tourism.”

“We hope that through the synergetic effects of the GP, it can promote the recovery of the construction, transportation and car repair sectors, boost the economy, create jobs and increase the population’s employment.”