Non-resident workers unable to remain in Macau to undergo quarantine in Zhuhai – Association

The Association of Macau Small and Medium Enterprises of Catering has indicated in an internal notice that the Macau government will announce today that, starting from Wednesday, non-resident workers who are unable to find accommodation and remain in Macau will be required to go to a place designated by the Zhuhai government in Haiquan Bay, to undergo a 14-days quarantine.

‘Until the epidemic ends, whoever returns to China will have to complete a new 14-day quarantine in Haiquan Bay before returning to Macau,’ the notice sent by authorities also indicated.

Therefore, authorities advised employers to provide temporary accommodation in Macau for non-resident workers, the association states in the notice sent to its members.

The notice does not specify nationality, but with sources contacted by Macau News Agency (MNA) believing the instructions will likely only cover workers coming to from Mainland China.

Previously local authorities had only advised workers coming from Mainland China to avoid travelling to Macau for work due to the coronavirus outbreak, but with no indications of a possible quarantine to be demanded.

‘Regarding non-resident construction workers, the MSAR government negotiated with several large construction companies the installation of dormitories for temporary accommodation of non-resident construction workers in a designated location, with a usable area of ​​4.5 square meters per person,’ the association states.

However before the construction of the dormitory is completed, the workers will have to arrange accommodation themselves.

‘The MSAR government cannot provide subsidies for temporary accommodation, and employers and non-resident workers must negotiate the share of each person’s contribution,’ the notice states.

MNA contacted the Macau Construction Association, which confirmed that this information has been transmitted between local associations, but with government sources refraining from confirming the information and if an announcement will be made today.

The Labour Affairs Bureau has also been contacted by MNA, with the department stating such information would have to be confirmed by higher govenrment officials.