2,000-pataca test looms for visitors

Visitors to Macau from overseas, Hong Kong and Taiwan will have to pay 2,000 patacas (HK$1,942) for eight Covid-19 PCR tests during their hotel quarantine from May 8, while those from the mainland have to pay 1,250 patacas for five tests, Macau authorities announced yesterday.

Travelers are now required to present booking confirmations for the medical observation hotel and PCR test package they paid for before heading to Macau.

The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre said that extra human resources has been poured into the current door-to-door specimen collection service when visitors isolate in hotels, but they will now "better allocate taxpayers' money."

"Since the door-to-door PCR test service during isolation was only for people who traveled, travelers themselves shall now pay for the service they enjoy," the center said.

All visitors from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan are required to undergo 14 days of medical observation and at least seven days of strict health self-management.

Visitors are requested to undergo four Covid-19 nucleic acid tests during the self-management week.

From April 5, travelers who were diagnosed with Covid-19 in less than two months can only go to Macau 14 days after they test negative in three antigen rapid tests taken at least 24 hours apart.

Hongkongers who wish to visit Macau are now required to test negative 24 hours before arrival.