In response to the development of the pandemic in the neighbouring regions, the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) met with suppliers and supermarket operators today (15) to inform the trade to arrange their stock clerks to undergo a nucleic acid test every 7 days as required by the Health Bureau (SSM). Meanwhile, the DSEDT also demanded the trade to enhance the disinfection of the goods after their arrival in Macao for lowering the risk of transmission of COVID-19 through goods.

During the meeting, the DSEDT explained to the local suppliers and supermarket operators that the SSM has included stock clerks of suppliers and supermarkets in its regular COVID-19 testing scheme for focus occupational groups. The personnel concerned are required to undergo a nucleic acid test every 7 days, otherwise their health codes will turn yellow. There are around 8,900 stock clerks in the relevant businesses, among them those who have been administered with COVID-19 vaccines can book free nucleic acid tests. They are required to complete the first test on or before 19 March.

Also during the meeting, the DSEDT reminded the trade again to raise the awareness of safety and protection at work, with particular emphasis on carrying out thorough disinfection on the outer packaging of goods transported to Macao from high-risk regions and disinfection in every part of goods handling process in accordance with the SSM’s guidelines.

The DSEDT thanked the trade for maintaining the stable supply of livelihood necessities since the pandemic, and appealed to the trade to work together with the SAR Government to continue the strict implementation of various anti-pandemic measures in order to jointly fortify a defence line against the pandemic in the field of goods import.