The Government is paying close attention to the latest developments regarding the viral pneumonia cases that have occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and has improved preventive work to minimise the risk of such cases having any impact on Macao.

During the period from 5pm on 18 January (Saturday) to 5pm on 19 January (Sunday), there were no reports of any Macao people returning from recent trips to Wuhan and simultaneously complaining of illness.

Since 1 January, the Government had been informed by local medical institutions about a total of 13 illness cases, each involving a patient with fever and respiratory problems, and that had been in Wuhan in the previous 14 days. Tests had shown none of the 13 patients had the Wuhan pneumonia virus.

The Government remains in close contact with the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China regarding the latest news on the viral pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan.

The Government has received a notice from the National Health Commission stating that, as of 17 January, the commission had been informed of a total of 62 confirmed cases in Wuhan of patients infected by the newly-identified coronavirus. Of the 62 patients, two had died, eight were in critical condition and 19 had been discharged from hospital, according to the commission.

The Government continues to optimise local preparedness regarding response to the viral outbreak, including measures to prevent it from spreading to Macao. In addition, it has set up a contingency plan should there be any local viral outbreak.

Macao has sufficient stocks of medication and medical consumables – and adequate equipment and facilities – for treating anyone thought to have been infected by the Wuhan pneumonia virus.

The Government urges members of the public to pay close attention to the latest updates issued by the local authorities regarding the Wuhan viral pneumonia; and to follow infection-control guidance, especially in relation to personal and environmental hygiene.

Members of the public are advised to the following when staying in Macao:

• frequently wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes before washing hands;
• regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at home and in the workplace;
• people with low immunity should avoid visiting crowded places.

Macao residents either working, studying, living or travelling in Wuhan – or other places reporting infection cases involving the newly-identified coronavirus – should display a heightened level of vigilance and take the following measures:

• frequently wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes before washing hands;
• avoid visiting hospitals and people infected with the virus;
• avoid contact with animals, avoid visiting markets where animals are sold, and avoid consumption of raw meat food products;
• avoid crowded places;
• regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at home and in the workplace.

People who have fever and respiratory symptoms – especially after travelling to places reporting infection cases involving the newly-identified coronavirus – should:

• wear surgical face masks and avoid going out, except to hospital for treatment. They should  especially avoid visiting crowded places;
• seek medical treatment immediately and inform healthcare staff of their travel history;
• cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands as soon as possible. When no tissue is available, use personal clothes or elbows as cover, do not use palms as cover;

• frequently wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub.