The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre (hereinafter referred to as the “Centre”) announces that, citywide nucleic acid testing will be conducted from 3:00 pm today (25) to 3:00 pm of 28 September. All local residents and people staying in Macao are required to get the test for free. If a nucleic acid test has been performed after 3:00 pm of 24 September, the concerned individuals may be exempted from the citywide NAT programme.

A total of 52 testing stations are set up across the city; categories of testing stations include: general stations and self-paid stations (prior booking is required), special care stations (for people with special needs who fail to make prior booking); there are a total of 367 sampling booths, and special care channels are available at all testing stations which open 24 hours a day. There are 7 special care testing stations providing walk-in service for people in need of special care who fail to make prior booking, and they can be accompanied by one person if necessary. To shorten the queuing time, people in need of special care are suggested to book the test in general testing stations with the assistance of families or friends, and use the priority channel in the general testing stations.

Prior booking is required in general testing stations, members of the public are urged to arrive in their corresponding station on time; late arrivals will need to book again. Original of identity document (same document used in Macao Health Code), booking code and Health Code must be presented for the testing.

Website for booking citywide NAT sampling (https://eservice.ssm.gov.mo/allpeoplernatestbook) has been put into operation at 10:00 today; relevant testing result will not be uploaded to the Macao Health Code, and cannot be used to immigration purpose.  For the convenience of the public, there are 14 self-paid stations in place to provide paper NAT report, their testing results will be upload to the Macao Health Code for immigration purpose, and will be counted in the citywide NAT programme. Prior booking is also required for self-paid NAT test, booking link: https://eservice.ssm.gov.mo/rnatestbook/V21/.

According to the Centre, to optimize crowd management, the booking system for citywide NAT operates on the basis of sampling stations which enables accurate control of users; real-time waiting information (namely no. of sampling booths in each testing station, no. of people waiting, expected waiting time, and no. of bookings) at different stations will be disseminated once every 4 hours by diversified means.

Expected waiting time will be shown in three colours: green colour indicates waiting time of less than 30 minutes, yellow colour indicates waiting time between 31 to 59 minutes, and red colours indicates waiting time of 60 minutes or more.  The public are advised to learn about the latest waiting situation before they go to get test. People in need of special care need not hurry to get tested on the first day; at the same time, the public are reminded to keep a safety distance when queuing for the test.

Yellow code holders may get tested at testing stations, where red code holders are required to take the test at the sampling station in Conde de Sao Januarion General Hospital. If developing fever or other symptoms, medical attention should be sought by using an ambulance. Bedridden or immobile persons are suggested to request assistance from families and friends, those with difficulties may call the Social Welfare Bureau’s 24-hour hotline at 28261126 for assistance.