The last of Macau’s 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 was discharged from hospital on Friday as Macau was declared coronavirus free.
The 64-year-old local woman has been sent to a quarantine ward to undergo a 14-day medical observation period, with the news of her recovery coming just over one month since the SAR’s 10th and final diagnosis was reported on 4 February.
Of those, seven patients from Wuhan have now returned to mainland China while the three Macau residents to contract COVID-19 remain under observation ahead of returning to the community.
“We achieved the goal of having no severe cases, no deaths and no infections in hospital,” said Health Bureau Director Lei Chin Ion. “We appreciate all the efforts of our front line personnel and the support from all departments.”
While Macau’s borders remain heavily restricted, the government on Saturday sent its first charter flight to Wuhan to bring home 59 Macau residents who have been stuck in the city where the virus outbreak originated.
Addressing concerns over the potential for a new round of infections in Macau as a result of those residents returning, Lei reiterated that all passengers would be required to confirm their health status before boarding and made to wear preventive clothing for the duration of the flight. They will also be sent directly to Ka Ho quarantine wards for a 14-day quarantine period immediately upon landing.