The Health Bureau has approved Macau’s six gaming operators to set up COVID-19 virus test locations within their own properties in order to improve convenience for guests.
The current service provider for Macau’s official virus testing – the China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC) Macau – will provide the testing service for the concessionaires.
According to the Health Bureau, approval for virus test locations inside properties was granted because the sampling process and venues themselves all matched the testing and safety standard requirements.
Details on the exact number of test locations or the testing fee have not yet been announced.
Under current COVID-19 safety measures, all visitors entering Macau must show a negative virus test result obtained within the previous seven days. Guests are also required to show a negative test result before being allowed onto gaming floors.
Macau currently has four virus test venues open to the public, including the official testing venues at the Macau Ferry Terminal and Macau Forum, and private testing locations at the Macau University of Science and Technology and the Kiang Wu Hospital.
The total daily testing quota has been set at 19,000 during the holiday period, however visitors have to reserve and share that quota with locals. Those testing venues are also located away from general tourist spots.
By establishing virus test locations within integrated resorts it is believed the government can provide a more convenient service to attract more visitors.