Regarding the announcement made by the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR) Government today (August 6) concerning the COVID-19 nucleic acid test requirement for persons entering Macao from Hong Kong which will come into effect tomorrow (August 7), the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) urged members of the public to ensure that they can meet the requirement when travelling to Macao to avoid hiccups when crossing the border.
The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre of Macao announced that, starting from 6am on August 7, all persons entering Macao would be required to present a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government. The negative test result would be valid within 24 hours (e.g. for a nucleic acid test conducted on August 6, the negative result report can be used for entering Macao on August 7). They are also required to undergo the compulsory quarantine of 14 days after entry into Macao. The designated testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government has been posted on the "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/List_of_recognised_laboratories.pdf)
The Government spokesman said, "Before departure to Macao, members of the public must bring along a valid proof of negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result that can meet the requirement of Macao SAR Government. When they re-enter Hong Kong after being refused of entry in Macao, they will be subjected to compulsory quarantine of 14 days pursuant to the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap. 599C). Members of the public should pay extra attention to avoid such a situation."
Apart from Macao, the Guangdong (GD) Provincial Government also announced yesterday that, starting from 10am on August 7, save for persons who received prior approval by GD for performing essential official and business duties and cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers who would continue be subjected to the prevailing policies applicable to them, all other persons who are entering GD via the Shenzhen Bay and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge control points would be required to present a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result issued by one of the testing institutions recognised by the HKSAR Government. The Government spokesman reminded members of the public to ensure that they would hold a valid proof of a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result that can meet the requirement of the Government of GD or Macao when travelling to these two places.
The Government called on members of the public again that in view of the severe local epidemic situation, they should avoid going out, keep social distance and avoid dining out. People should maintain stringent hand hygiene and put on a surgical mask when they need to go out. They are also urged to seek medical attention early even if mild symptoms develop to help prevent the spread of the disease in the community.
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