Macau: Mandatory quarantine issued for arrivals with Beijing travel history June 17 /update 2

Event

Macau authorities have announced a 14-day mandatory quarantine for all travelers entering the territory who have been to Beijing within 14 days of arrival from Wednesday, June 17. The decision comes following a recent increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Beijing. Authorities stated that the quarantine would take place under medical observation at a designated location.

As of Thursday, June 18, travelers who are not residents of Macau, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or mainland China are barred from entering the territory. All arrivals must also produce a certificate confirming that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the last seven days prior to their arrival in Macau. Those entering Macau who have been to Hong Kong or Taiwan in the past 14 days will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Although border crossing points between Macau and mainland China have reopened, crossings with Hong Kong remain closed until further notice.

As of June 18, authorities have confirmed 45 cases of COVID-19 across Macau and no associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.

Travelers returning from China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.