Macau had 90 new cases in a single day on 2 July, making the new cumulative total 784 cases since the current outbreak began on 18 June. Two elderly people have now passed away due to the epidemic – the first time in the 2.5 years since the outbreak of COVID that someone has died in Macau due to the disease.
The two deceased, aged 100 and 94, had a variety of chronic diseases, including hypertension, stroke, and brain degeneration. Both deceased had been isolated at the Public Health Clinical Centre in Coloane and suddenly became sicker today and were taken to hospital for treatment.
At a press conference held late this afternoon, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Elsie Ao Ieong, said that three citywide mass testings will be conducted starting next week.
Health Bureau Director, Alvis Lo Iek Long, said, “The times for the mass testing is July 4 to 5, July 6 to 7, and July 8 to 9. Children under the age of three do not need to do the test.
“Each mass test round will start at 9am and end at 6pm the following day. Each round will only be open for a total of 33 hours.”
To assist with the mass testing, 650 medical staff from mainland China have been brought to Macau.
Last Thursday, IAG reported that the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) asked concessionaires to reduce the number of gaming workers by 90%. At the press conference Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, said, “With few customers, we hope to let concessionaire employees work at home.
“The government thanks the concessionaires for responding to the government’s call to reduce the number of employees at work, but the government is not asking them to reduce the number of gaming tables in operation.” Lei also said, “If there is a confirmed case in a casino, the government will definitely close that casino.”
“The government has not asked the gaming companies to reduce the number of staff working after the reduction made on July 1,” said Lei.
The government has also advised that government departments will maintain limited external public services from 4 to 8 July. Members of the public should make appointments in advance online or by phone to be advised of service times and locations. The Macau Association of Banks (ABM) has issued a statement that banks will provide limited services from 4 to 8 July, with no more than one-third of branches open, banking hours reduced to 10am to 4pm and restrictions in place on the number of customers allowed in branches simultaneously.
[Ed: IAG respectfully offers its deepest condolences to the families of the two ladies who passed away. The fact they were elderly and had significant health issues does not in any way diminish their passing.]
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