Some undesirable things often happen suddenly when people are relaxing physically and mentally inadvertently, making people shocked and nervous.
On June 18, 2022, there were sudden reports of confirmed cases in Macao, and there were as many as 12 cases. This sudden news of the epidemic ended Macao’s history of more than 250 days without local community infection. This wave of community epidemics came suddenly and developed rapidly, with the number of confirmed cases rising upwards to more than a dozen every day, arousing great concern from society. According to official reports from Macao, as of 24:00 on June 30, a total of 4,638 nucleic acid positive cases have been found in 12 days, 366 women and 272 men, aged between 8 months and 100 years old; among them, 240 There are 4 confirmed cases with symptoms, and 398 people who are temporarily asymptomatic are classified as asymptomatic infections . Through the epidemiological survey , the authorities followed up a total of 10,484 contacts at four levels. In terms of community control, there are 19 red code areas and 78 yellow code areas.
Up and down linkage to respond quickly to stop sudden epidemics
In this epidemic, the SAR government responded quickly. In the early morning of June 19, important websites of the SAR government and media issued news that in accordance with the Chief Executive's instructions and the assessment of the Novel Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Center, Macao faces an extremely high risk of community spread and outbreak of new coronavirus pneumonia . In order to prevent The spread of the new coronavirus in Macao, to protect the safety of citizens’ lives and property, is in accordance with Article 8, Article 9, Paragraph 1 and Article 11, Paragraph 1 (7) of Law No. 11/2020 “Civil Defense Legal System” According to the regulations, it was announced that starting from 1:00 a.m. on June 19, 2022, the Macao Special Administrative Region will enter a real-time prevention state.
The Emergency Response and Coordination Center quickly launched the previous zoning and hierarchical precise prevention and control plan, and took targeted closure and control measures based on the level of epidemic risk. The first batch of stores B and C on the ground floor of Yanli Building and Defeng Building were listed as closed areas. Implement health code red code control. Xinli Building, Quanfeng Building, and Defeng Building are listed as prevention areas to take joint measures to implement yellow health code control. At the same time, it was announced that nationwide nucleic acid testing will be launched immediately from the 19th.
In the face of the sudden epidemic, all relevant departments in Macao took action and performed their respective duties to respond quickly. The Municipal Affairs Bureau immediately coordinated with cleaning companies and outsourced cleaning to deploy additional manpower. In the early morning of June 19, large-scale cleaning and disinfection work was carried out on streets, public parts of buildings and other areas around the residence and workplace of confirmed cases, in an effort to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. condition. The parks and leisure areas, free wave areas, district activity centers, indoor facilities and exhibition venues under its jurisdiction will be closed to the public starting from the 19th until further notice. During this period, activities and interest classes held in relevant venues will also be suspended; education and youth development The Bureau notified colleges and universities and non-tertiary education schools to suspend all educational activities starting from the 19th until further notice.
Tests and graduation ceremonies and other activities have been postponed, while various competitions and exchange activities have been canceled or postponed, and the campus has been temporarily closed. All students should reduce their outing activities, and cross-border students should avoid returning to Australia. Private supplementary teaching assistance centers and continuing education institutions should be temporarily suspended. All centers under the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau, Youth Patriotic and Macao Education Base, Home and Country Sentiment Center, Youth Hostels, Youth Exhibition Hall, Sino-Portuguese Vocational and Technical School Gymnasium and their respective studios will be temporarily closed to the public starting from the 19th, and all facilities will reopen. The time will be notified separately; MGTO cancels the "Star Tourism Service Accreditation Scheme" Catering Sector Supervision Period Assessment Criteria Briefing held on the 20th and the "10th Macau International Tourism (Industry) Expo" press conference held on the 21st .
The Cultural Affairs Bureau will close its cultural venues from the 19th, and will suspend various arts and cultural activities from now on, including museums, public libraries, performing arts, cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries and other types of activities; the Social Welfare Bureau informed Macao In addition to accommodation facilities and emergency support services, other social service facilities, including subsidized nurseries, day care and community facilities, will be suspended from the 19th. Elderly and rehabilitation homes will also stop accepting visits from visitors; all facilities under the Sports Bureau Sports facilities will be closed starting from the 19th.All sports activities include the parent-child sports day held on the 19th, the endless loop management drill test competition, and the registration and courses for mass sports and fitness interest classes held on the same day, youth sports school courses, as well as the training sessions and training courses of various sports federations. Competitions and other activities are also suspended.
At the same time, many government departments and banks announced temporary closures. In society, except for supermarkets, markets and other subsistence places that are open normally, and catering is limited to takeout, all other public places are suspended. It can be said that in order to respond to this wave of sudden epidemics, identify the source of the epidemic as soon as possible and cut off the chain of epidemic transmission, the SAR government attaches great importance to it from top to bottom, responds quickly, and brakes quickly, pressing the button on almost all public activities in society. Pause button.
Joint prevention and control between Zhuhai and Macao quickly tightened customs clearance policies
Macao and Zhuhai are closely linked by mountains and rivers and are closely interdependent. If any abnormal situation occurs on one side, a system has been established to report the situation to each other as soon as possible. After the community epidemic occurred in Macao, the Macao Novel Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Center quickly started consultations on a joint prevention and control mechanism between Zhuhai and Macao based on the needs of epidemic prevention and control.
On the early morning of June 19th, which was originally "Father's Day", many people had not bothered to express their blessings to their fathers, but they had already seen the government's new model through various communication channels such as mobile phones. According to a notice issued by the Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Center, in accordance with the needs of epidemic prevention and control, and through consultation by the Zhuhai-Macao Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism, starting from 6 a.m. on June 19, 2022, persons departing from various ports in Macao must maintain a 24-hour quarantine period. A negative result of a valid nucleic acid test proves customs clearance. In terms of entry, starting from 9 a.m. on the 19th, people coming to Macao through the Zhuhai-Macao Port are required to hold a 48-hour negative nucleic acid test certificate. The Response and Coordination Center calls on all residents and travelers to avoid going out unless necessary, stay at home as much as possible, and strictly implement and implement various epidemic prevention measures
html On June 19, the Zhuhai Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters Office also issued a notice, In addition to the above-mentioned requirements related to the tightening of port customs clearance and verification announced by Macau, it was also announced that the passenger ferry service from the Inner Harbor Ferry Terminal to the Wan Chai Port will be suspended, and Macau arrivals are required to implement "7+7" health management measures.
Zhuhai City Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters requires that people who have entered Macau since June 15 (inclusive) should report to their community, unit, and hotel as soon as possible and implement 7 days of home quarantine (not allowed to go out) + 7 days of home health monitoring ( Do not go out unless necessary), do not return to work or school, do not take public transportation, do not go to public places, conduct nucleic acid testing on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th day. Arrivals from Macao’s red and yellow code areas will be subject to “7 days of centralized quarantine (one nucleic acid test will be carried out every day) + 7 days of home quarantine (no going out, one nucleic acid test will be carried out on the 10th and 14th days).”
Zhuhai has launched the above-mentioned quarantine control policy for Macau arrivals, which directly affects the work and life of more than 100,000 foreign employees who work between Zhuhai and Macao every day. It has aroused widespread concern in the society of Zhuhai and Macao. Late at night on the 19th, Zhuhai City’s epidemic prevention and control policy The Control Headquarters issued a notice to adjust the prevention and control measures for Macao foreign employees living in Zhuhai. The content is: After consultation by the Zhuhai-Macao Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism, Macao foreign employees who are under home quarantine in Zhuhai will not be affected due to work. If necessary, you can return to work in Macao directly from the home isolation place through the Zhuhai-Macao port by presenting a negative nucleic acid certificate within 24 hours and signing a "not returning the pearl within three days" commitment letter (collected by the port epidemic prevention staff at the exit hall).
html Starting from 6:00 on June 20, all foreign employees residing in Zhuhai who enter from Macau must declare their personal health through the "Healthy Zhuhai" WeChat applet 12 hours in advance. Only after the community confirms that they meet the home quarantine conditions can they Return beads. Anyone entering Zhuhai who does not meet the conditions for home quarantine will be subject to 7 days of centralized quarantine at their own expense. These prevention and control measures introduced by Zhuhai have undoubtedly brought confusion and in fact great inconvenience to foreign employees working in Macao and Macao nationals resident in Zhuhai.Ho Iat Seng: Putting the safety of Macao citizens first
The epidemic is no small matter. On the morning of June 19, Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng went to the Civil Defense Operation Center to listen to the work reports of various departments in response to the new round of epidemic and understand the epidemic prevention and control work. The latest progress of the epidemic prevention and control work was carried out, and important work instructions were issued, requiring all efforts to prevent the epidemic and putting the safety of all Australian citizens first.
The Chief Executive said that the epidemic struck suddenly and spread rapidly. The SAR government immediately followed the established precise prevention and control plan for zoning and classification, and quickly implemented sealing and preventive measures on the residences and workplaces of relevant people based on the degree of risk, and designated areas. Multiple red code areas and yellow code areas, and flow tracking is performed at full speed. The Novel Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Center immediately announced that it will conduct nationwide nucleic acid testing from 12 noon on June 19 to 12 noon on June 21. All Macao residents and people staying in Macao must participate, and calls on all Macao citizens to cooperate and work together. Fight the epidemic.
The Chief Executive also stated that 12 positive cases had been discovered before noon on the 19th (19th), and there was an upward trend. The epidemic prevention department was still stepping up testing of close contacts of these people. The Civil Defense Operation Center was activated at 1 a.m., and after communicating with Zhuhai, starting from 6 a.m., nucleic acid testing at entry and exit ports will be changed to 24 hours. In addition, considering that the confirmed cases are concentrated and the source is unknown, it is necessary to cut off the chain of transmission in society as soon as possible. The SAR government calls on all places except supermarkets, markets and other life-support places to suspend business, and restaurants can take out food. However, dine-in is not allowed. We call on citizens and businesses to cooperate, avoid going out unless necessary, stay at home as much as possible, and work together to control the epidemic as soon as possible.
The Chief Executive thanked the staff of various departments of the Civil Defense Center and the Response Coordination Center and the volunteer groups for their hard work. He pointed out that various departments and groups have certain experience in responding to the epidemic and have always had response plans and preparations. He believes that in all aspects, With the joint efforts of all departments and the joint efforts of citizens and businesses across Australia, we will surely be able to defeat this epidemic. He also instructed all departments to perform their respective duties and work together to respond to the epidemic. He pointed out that in addition to doing all-out epidemiological investigations to ensure the safety of the community, it is also necessary to ensure a stable supply of fresh food and daily necessities related to people's livelihood. .
Subsequently, the Chief Executive visited multiple nucleic acid testing stations to understand the preparation work and staffing of each station. He was also concerned about the number of rapid test kits and instructed that relevant work must be done well.
Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Special Administrative Region Zhang Yongchun, Secretary SecretaryDirector Huang Shaoze, Director of the Department of Social Affairs and Culture Ouyang Yu, Director of the General Police Liang Wenchang, Commissioner of Customs Huang Wenzhong, Director of the Chief Executive's Office Xu Lifeng, Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Director He Yushan and a number of bureau-level officials attended the working meeting.
On the morning of that day, the Macau Novel Coronavirus Infection Response and Coordination Center held a press conference at the Bac On Civil Defense Operation Center to explain the latest epidemic situation and prevention and control work in Macau. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ouyang Yu, Director of the General Police Bureau Liang Wenchang, Director of the Health Bureau Luo Yilong, Director of the Education and Youth Bureau Gong Zhiming and Director of the Operations and Communications Division of the Public Security Police Force Ma Chaoxiong attended. The
press conference responded to the media's concerns and made it clear that the first round of nationwide inspections is scheduled to be completed within 48 hours. A total of 53 stations and 342 sampling points will be set up. General stations and self-funded stations must make an appointment and care stations are required. For care recipients who do not have conditions to make reservations, dedicated care lanes are set up at each station, and all stations are open 24 hours a day. Real-time information such as the number of sampling points operated by each inspection station, the number of people waiting, and the estimated waiting time will be released regularly through various channels.
Ouyang Yu said that when citizens register for sampling at the testing station, each person will receive 3 new coronavirus rapid antigen testing kits on the spot. Citizens should keep them properly. The coordination center will announce the use arrangements for rapid antigen testing based on the development of the epidemic. , citizens will be required to conduct self-tests upon request and report test results on the designated online platform.
In order to stabilize the determination and confidence in fighting the epidemic, the Response Coordination Center stated through a press conference on June 20 that it is expected that the number of positive nucleic acid test cases may further increase. According to the plan, makeshift hospitals are ready, and hotels have also been arranged to receive patients. In places where relevant facilities can be used within two days.
Promote tens of billions of financial aid measures to boost anti-epidemic confidence
Fighting the sudden epidemic requires "fast", "strict" and "accurate", and more importantly, "real". On June 19, less than 24 hours after the sudden outbreak of the epidemic was announced in Macau, the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau Special Administrative Region, Li Weinong, attended a press conference on the epidemic and announced at the meeting that seven economic aid measures would be launched in the second half of the year, involving a total investment of 10 billion Macau. Yuan, I look forward to getting through this difficult time with you all.
Li Weinong said that the SAR government has continued to pay attention to the impact of the epidemic on the Macao economy and has formulated different response plans. Based on the current situation and actual development, some measures will be implemented when mature.
In the first half of this year, the SAR government has launched the following economic assistance measures: 1. Disburse cash sharing funds in advance; 2. Refund to Macao residents the 60% professional tax tax paid for 2020 with a maximum limit of NT$14,000; 3. Measures to provide short-term food subsidies to Macao residents who are in a state of involuntary unemployment; 4. Launch the third round of anti-epidemic electronic consumption discount plan; 5. Launch 2022 water and electricity subsidy measures for household and corporate businesses; 6. Encourage employers to hire local people during the epidemic Temporary subsidy program for unemployed residents.
Li Weinong said that in order to survive the epidemic cycle and in response to the sudden situation of the epidemic in Macao, after evaluation, the SAR government quickly decided to further launch the following financial aid measures to cope with this financial aid and work with everyone to tide over the difficult moments of fighting the epidemic. Measures include: 1. Refund of housing tax for industrial and commercial activities; 2. Exemption of all tourist taxes; 3. Refund of vehicle license tax for business vehicles; 4. Exemption or refund of administrative license and related fees; 5. Taxi industry Fuel subsidies; 6. Launch a new round of "Assistance Scheme for Employees, Freelancers and Business Operators"; 7. Launch a "Special Interest Subsidy Scheme for Corporate Bank Loans". The budget for implementing the above measures is approximately 10 billion patacas, and work will be started immediately to support it.
Li Weinong also pointed out that he noticed that the society is concerned about the follow-up situation of the "interest repayment without principal repayment" measure, and has instructed the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to notify financial institutions to extend the "interest repayment without principal repayment" plan to December 31 next year; launched in 2020 The four-percent interest subsidy for enterprises expires next year, and consideration is being given to extending the subsidy period by one year to 2024. Since the epidemic has lasted too long and all walks of life have been affected, it is planned to extend assistance measures for small and medium-sized enterprises with 100 employees or less to large enterprises. It also plans to cooperate with chambers of commerce to launch consumption promotion programs after the epidemic, such as large draws, etc., to promote domestic consumption.
Ensuring the supply of goods in the market is an important part of stabilizing people's hearts when the epidemic breaks out. On June 19, the Macau SAR Economic and Technological Development Bureau/Consumer Council released news: In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in Macau, Macau has entered a real-time prevention state , the Economic and Technological Bureau and the Consumer Council have contacted various suppliers and retailers to ensure a stable supply of various people's daily necessities. In addition, the Economic and Technological Bureau has requested a total of 286 branches of 35 supermarket and department store retail groups in Macao to replenish goods as soon as possible in response to sales conditions and demand.
The Macau SAR Economic and Technological Development Bureau/Consumer Council stated that it needs to be emphasized that Macau has sufficient stocks of various daily necessities and a continuous supply, and calls on residents not to over-purchase and panic buying. The anti-epidemic measures announced by the SAR government will not affect the normal, continuous and stable supply of daily food and supplies in Macao.
has learned from suppliers and comprehensive statistics that Macao currently has sufficient stocks of various types of grain, oil, and food in department stores, with stable supply and continuous supply. Taking rice as an example, the inventory as of June is about 1.67 million kilograms, and the edible oil inventory is about 750,000 liters, which is equivalent to about one month’s consumption in Macau. The stocks of canned food and other daily necessities also remain sufficient and in supply. Stablize.
The Macau Economic and Technological Bureau and the Consumer Council continue to pay close attention to the market situation, and severely crack down on price hikes and hoarding behaviors to ensure that the supply and demand order of Macao’s people’s daily necessities remains normal and to protect the consumer rights of citizens.
This round of epidemic has come violently, but the SAR government has responded quickly, made efficient decisions, and responded in an orderly and calm manner. Its performance is obviously more mature and appropriate than the previous two epidemics, demonstrating the responsibility and responsibility of this government, and coordinating the whole society's response to emergencies such as the epidemic. The ease with which the incident occurred, the ability to withstand pressure and the combat effectiveness are gratifying!
(Source: Article published in the July issue of Macau Monthly)
