The validity period permissible on a nucleic acid test certificate proving a ‘negative’ result for COVID-19 infection, and to be shown by people intending to enter Macao from Guangdong Province, will be extended to seven days from the current 48-hour validity. The measure will become effective after the stroke of midnight on Saturday (10 July).

The rule relaxation was announced on Thursday (8 July) by the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre, during a regular press conference.

The latest step was in view of an easing in epidemic-related conditions in Guangdong, and was based on consultation with the authorities in neighbouring cities.

Any person that is not a Macao ID holder and arrives in Macao from Guangdong but fails to provide a valid ‘negative’ test certificate, would be denied entry to Macao.

Any Macao ID holders returning from Guangdong that are unable to provide a valid nucleic acid test certificate on arrival in Macao, would be required to undergo a test at a designated venue. The result of a test performed in such circumstances cannot then be used for any outbound journey.

According to Article 30 of the Law on the Prevention, Control and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, anyone refusing to undergo medical check upon request on arrival to Macao is liable to a maximum of six months imprisonment or a maximum fine equivalent to 60 days of standard per-day penalty.

Epidemic-control measures will be updated in a timely manner in accordance with the latest situation. The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre has issued a remainder that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious and is spreading rapidly across the world. Vaccination against COVID-19 is a crucial step to prevent infection and to build herd immunity. People who have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 should do so as soon as possible.