Macao SAR gradually returns to normal with epidemic under control

MACAO -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will gradually return to normal operation starting from Tuesday with the latest COVID-19 outbreak under control, the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center of Macao said on Monday.

Macao has reported no new community cases for consecutive nine days, and all results of the last round of mass testing on the weekend came out negative, showing significantly reduced risks of virus transmissions, the center said.

According to an order signed by Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, starting Tuesday, indoor entertainment venues including gyms and bars will reopen. Meanwhile, dine-in will be allowed at restaurants. Public services and financial services will also gradually recover.

Groups deemed having higher risks of infecting the virus will continue to take free nucleic acid tests for six days starting Tuesday, the center said. Residents are still required to wear facial masks in public.