Macau and Zhuhai city have implemented mutual recognition of their respective health code systems and COVID-19 virus test results, allowing non-resident workers from mainland China holding virus test certificates and “green codes” to enter and exit the two cities from Monday.
The latest border measures announced over the weekend are yet another small step on the road to opening up the border between Macau and the mainland and reinvigorating Macau’s tourism, entertainment and hospitality industries.
However, Macau still requires all arrivals from mainland China – including Macau residents – to submit a negative test result for COVID-19 when entering. Macau residents could receive tests at the border but visitors will be refused if they don’t have test results on them.
Qualified non-resident workers must hold a Zhuhai residential card, register with the China Capital Employment Agencies Association and be tested for COVID-19 in designated hospitals in Macau or Zhuhai. Test results will show on one of the personal health code systems on their mobile phones and those with “green codes” – a negative test result with no contact or travel history related to COVID-19 – will be permitted to enter Macau and Zhuhai without undergoing quarantine.
About 20,000 non-resident workers are qualified.
Since 20 February, Macau has required non-resident workers from mainland China to undergo a 14-day medical quarantine in Zhuhai before entering the city. Guangdong Province also imposed quarantine on all arrivals from Macau as of 27 March, meaning many non-resident workers from mainland China have been stuck in Macau since.
Test results under the new health code system are only valid for seven days. Testing fees for non-resident workers is the same as local residents with the first test being free but every subsequent test costing MOP$180.
Macau’s Public Security Police Force said the Macau and Zhuhai governments are continuing close communication regarding border controls.
