Under the Guaranteed Mask Supply for Macao Residents Scheme launched by the MSAR Government yesterday (23rd January), a total of 20 million masks have been procured. These masks are intended to be allocated to 56 contracted pharmacies across Macao for purchase by people holding permanent or non-permanent resident identity card or non-resident worker’s identification card (commonly known as the “blue card”). Since yesterday, a total of 9.8 million masks have been delivered to Macao. It is believed that the newly arrived masks can effectively alleviate the situation of the risen market demand for masks; therefore, local residents need not panic or rush to pharmacies for purchasing. Besides, with an aim to ensuring the quality of the masks, the Health Bureau will conduct spot-checks and require all 56 contracted pharmacies to perform the final gate-keeping role before selling the masks, so as to ensure that the masks available to the public meet the quality assurance standards.
Mask procurement of the Scheme was conducted under coordination among the Health Bureau, the Economic Services Bureau and the Consumer Council. The procured masks are good for droplet precautions and can reduce the transmission risk of respiratory diseases.
Points to note on wearing mask:
1) The mask should fully cover the nose, mouth and chin, and fit snugly over the face with minimal gaps between the face and mask.
2) Avoid touching the mask after it is secured on your face. If you must do so, wash your hands thoroughly after touching it.
3) Under general situations, masks should be replaced every day. Do not reuse masks. Replace the mask if it is wet or damaged.
Apart from this, the Health Bureau reminds residents to observe respiratory etiquette, and avoid covering nose and mouth with hands when coughing or sneezing. Instead, cover nose and mouth with an elbow or an upper sleeve, if no tissue is available, when coughing or sneezing.
