The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) has been actively coordinating with the 36 subsidised social service facilities (nursing homes) under “Preventative Closed-loop Management Measures" in Macau to respond to the staff's aspirations for day-off rotation outside the closed-loop, seeking to implement day-off rotation scheme for the staff in the near future. In addition, the management entities of the nursing homes have decided or are actively considering providing additional salary, allowances and/or day-off for the closed-loop staff as an act of encouragement and appreciation for their efforts.

The IAS has been maintaining close communication with the nursing homes and their management entities. It is noted that the vast majority of the nursing homes staff understand the importance and necessity of implementing closed-loop management to protect its residents and staff. The management entities also attach great importance to the staff’s condition in terms of work, rest and daily life in the nursing homes, seeking to support the staff to the fullest extent that their capacity and conditions permit. It is informed from the nursing homes that about 70% of the 1,800 staff currently working in the nursing homes are non-local staff and about 30% are local staff who have residence in Macau. Some of the local staff are hoping for a point-to-point close-loop arrangement for work or the opportunity for rotation that enables day-off outside the closed-loop.

The IAS would like to express its gratitude again to all the staff, supervisors and their management entities for their professionalism and social commitment in safeguarding the 3,000 residents at the homes for the elderly, for the disabled and rehabilitation centres since the outbreak of the epidemic, including over 50 “heroes in harm's way” who were originally outside the closed-loop and chose to enter the closed-loop to provide support at the nursing homes.