The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre has confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 infection, taking the tally of confirmed cases recorded in Macao to 19. In addition, there is a case of initially testing positive for the novel coronavirus.

The 18th case involves a 50-year-old female resident of Macao, who is returning from the United States of America. On 20 March, She – along with her three children – took Cathy Pacific flight CX845 from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Hong Kong International Airport. The now-patient was in seat number 45E. On afternoon of 21 March, the group of four boarded the Government-chartered coach from the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HKZMB) to Macao.

Upon arrival at the HKZMB Macao boundary crossing area, the now-patient was detected with a fever and immediate taken to Conde S. Januário Hospital. In the evening of 21 March, she was confirmed as being infected with the novel coronavirus.

The patient is now being kept in isolation for treatment at Conde S. Januário Hospital. She is described as showing mild clinical signs of infection relating to the novel coronavirus. The patient herself has not complained of any feeling of sickness.

The 19th case of COVID-19 infection involves a 19-year-old male resident of Macao, who had been studying in the United States of America. He is a son of Macao’s18th case of COVID-19 infection.

Since he, his elder sister and his young brother had been classified as persons in close contact with the 18th patient, the now-patient was taken to Conde S. Januário Hospital, and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

The 19-year-old patient had travelled to Mexico during 8 to 14 March. He had stayed in the United States of America since 18 March and reported no respiratory illness had developed during the period.

The male patient is now being kept in isolation for treatment at Conde S. Januário Hospital. He is described as showing mild clinical signs of infection relating to the novel coronavirus. The patient himself has not complained of any feeling of sickness.

Regarding his siblings, a first COVID-19 test was negative. A second test is due to be conducted 48 hours after the first test.

People in Macao who took the same flight as the 18th and 19th patients should call the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre on (+853) 2870 0800.

A possible 20th case of COVID-19 infection involves a 20-year-old male resident of Macao and a Portuguese passport holder.

On 16 March, he travelled from the United Kingdom to Hong Kong. On afternoon of 17 March, he took a taxi from Hong Kong International Airport to HKZMB Hong Kong Port then boarded a coach to Macao boundary crossing area. During checkpoint formalities there, he was directed to observe a 14-day medical observation at the Golden Crown China Hotel, according to existing epidemic-control measures in place in Macao.

A first test conducted today showed initially positive for the coronavirus. He is now being kept at Conde S. Januário Hospital for further examination. He is described as showing mild clinical signs of infection relating to the novel coronavirus. The patient himself has not complained of any feeling of sickness.

Currently, there are nine patients who confirmed COVID-19 infection being kept in isolation for treatment at Conde S. Januário Hospital. The 10 previously-confirmed cases had all been discharged after receiving treatment at the Conde S. Januário Hospital.