(CNN) — The gambling hub of Macao will allow bars, restaurants, salons, gyms and entertainment venues to reopen on Tuesday, August 2, lifting a citywide Covid-19 lockdown that lasted more than a month.
Authorities said the decision came after nine consecutive days without reported community infections within the special administration region and more than 14 rounds of mass Covid-19 tests.
From Tuesday, people will be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the prior 72 hours to enter most venues.
More than 90% of Macao’s residents are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to data from the city’s Health Bureau. But authorities in the gambling hub are closely following China’s “zero-Covid” policy, which aims to stamp out outbreaks with mass testing and venue closures when cases are reported.
Gambling is the lifeblood of Macao, a tiny southern Chinese city that depends on millions of tourists from mainland China.
Since June 18, when the latest outbreak began, 1,821 cases have been reported in Macao, health authorities said Sunday. The case numbers sound small compared to coronavirus surges elsewhere but was the largest flare-up the city has faced to date.
Macao is totally closed to all visitors except residents of Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China. Most people must quarantine for 10 days on arrival — however, some from low-risk areas in mainland China are exempt.
CNN’s Beijing Bureau contributed to this report.
Source: www.cnn.com