Dog walking, jogging and sitting in parks are among the activities now considered criminal offences under Macau’s week-long COVID-19 lockdown, punishable by up to two years in prison.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Macau SAR Government has ordered the closure of all commercial and industrial businesses, including casinos, for seven days from 11 to 18 July. It has also demanded that “all persons must remain at home, unless for reasons of necessary work, purchase of basic goods for everyday life or for other urgent reasons.”
Among the activities no longer allowed are taking dogs outside for a walk or sitting in parks with those who break these rules and subsequently resist requests to cease and desist facing two years in prison. IAG has observed multiple individuals being stopped by police for taking part in these very activities.
The strict measures form part of Macau’s zero-COVID policy as it looks to push back against a virus that has killed more than 6 million people worldwide – although only two in Macau – over the past two-and-a-half years.
But it also gives pause to stop and think about what Macau has become. Our society has now reached the point where taking your dog for a walk or simply sitting outside to enjoy some fresh air is punishable with real jail time.
What has the world come to?
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