The tourism authority of Macau says it has lowered its expectations on visitor arrivals during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday with many cities and provinces in mainland China urging citizens to stay home.
The Deputy Director of the Macau Government Tourism Office, Hoi Io Meng, told media on Wednesday that visitor numbers might be subdued due to a recent resurgence in cases across the mainland.
“Authorities in the mainland do not want a big flow of people during the Spring Festival,” he said. “The first priority for Macau is still preventive works against COVID-19. The MGTO has decided to cancel the fireworks display, parade and shows after the cautious evaluation of the health authority.”
The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) also revealed Wednesday that it had decided to cancel the annual Spring Festival Fair, Lion Dance performance and temporary stands of incense in order to prevent the transmission of the virus. Most major cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) have also cancelled their Spring Festival Fair this year.
Mainland China has recorded over 780 cases and 550 asymptomatic infections since the beginning of this year, and most cities and provinces including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province have advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel and stay in place during the Chinese New Year holiday from 11 to 17 February.
In response, Macau has again expanded its mandatory quarantine for travelers who have been to specific areas in the mainland in the past 14 days. As of 13 January, Macau requires quarantine for anyone that has been to the following areas:
Hebei Province: All of Shijiazhuang City, Nangong City under Xingtai, the Gu’an County of Langfang City.
Beijing City: Dashanzhi Community in Jiuxianqiao Subdistrict of Chaoyang District, Nanfaxin Town, Gaoliying Town, Shengli Subdistrict, Nancai Town, Renhe Town, Beishicao Twon and Zhaoquanying Town of Shunyi District.
Liaoning Province: All of Shenyang and Dalian City.
Heilongjiang Province: Suihua City, Aihui District of Heihe City, and Ang’angxi District of Qiqihar City.
