In response to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the Social Security Fund (abbreviated to FSS in Macao) will have service adjustments next week and provide limited service only at some counters opened at the Macao Government Services Centre in order to avoid crowd gathering and reduce the risk of disease spread.  The FSS reiterates that it will extend the payment deadline, exempt related interest or fines, and take measures to ensure that the payment of benefits and allowances will not be affected.  The FSS calls on residents that there is no need to rush to the FSS next week for social security services and suggests residents to do it by electronic means.

The SAR Government announced that on the premise of ensuring emergency and basic services to the public, it will continue to exempt civil servants from going to work from 3^rd February (Monday) to 7^th February (Friday).  The FSS will close its head office located at Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, Edf. China Civil Plaza, 18.º andar, and a service point on the 13^th floor of the same building, its temporary office at Tap Seac, and a service point at Macao Government Services Centre in Islands.  However, some counters at the Macao Government Services Centre (Area of Social Security and Employment) will remain open to the public to provide limited service.  The FSS calls on residents to use electronic means or wait for public services to resume normal operations before visiting the field office of FSS if it is not necessary.  The FSS also reiterates that the payment deadline for the contributions for the fourth quarter of 2019, the employment fee for non-resident workers, and the contributions of casual workers for December 2019 will be extended to 28^th February and any late payment interest and fines will be exempted, and the provision of proof of life by beneficiaries of old-age and disability pension can be until the end of March, without affecting the normal payment of benefits in April.

If residents still think that it is necessary for them to visit the field office for social security services during 3^rd to 7^th February, they can make an appointment in advance using their “Conta Única de Acesso Comum” accounts.  For enquiries, please call the 24-hour interactive voice response hotline at 2823 8238 (Social Security System) or 2823 0230 (Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund System) for general administrative procedures, or visit the FSS’ website at www.fss.gov.mo or call 2853 2850 during office hours for other more detailed information.