Macau has shortened the effective period of COVID-19 virus test results from seven days to 72 hours for people returning from foreign countries by air in response to the worsening state of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world.
From midnight of 13 January, those returning to Macau from foreign countries must submit a negative nucleic acid test report issued within 72 hours of their flight’s departure.
At this stage, travelers returning from foreign countries can only transfer flights via mainland China or Tokyo, Japan, as airports in Taiwan and Hong Kong have already canceled flight transition services.
The latest measure comes as 67 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in mainland China this week, the highest daily number since July. Over 50 cases and 67 asymptomatic infections emerged in northern Hebei Province this week, with the entire province entering “wartime” status.
Shijiazhuang city has now closed down all major highways, railway stations and airports. All 11 million citizens in Shijiazhuang will receive virus tests by 8 January and are not allowed to leave the city, with several cases found by community testing.
Meanwhile, Beijing, Liaoning Province and Heilongjiang Province among other mainland cities have found sporadic cases in recent days.
As a result, Macau has already announced mandatory quarantine for travelers returning from specific areas in the mainland. As of 7 January, Macau requires quarantine for anyone that has been to the following areas:
Hebei Province: Zengcun Town in Gaocheng District under Shijiazhuang and Fenggang Subdistrict in Nangong City under Xingtai of Hebei Province. All of Shijiazhuang City.
Beijing City: Dashanzhi Community in Jiuxianqiao Subdistrict of Chaoyang District, Nanfaxin Town, Gaoliying Town, Shengli Subdistrict, Nancai Town and Renhe Town of Shunyi District.
Liaoning Province: All of Shenyang and Dalian City.
Heilongjiang Province: Aihui District of Heihe City.
