Macao eases outdoor mask mandate, effective 27 February 2023

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Individuals, except for those entering medical institutions, elderly and rehabilitation homes, or travelling by public transport, are no longer required to wear masks outdoors.

With the epidemic situation having remained stable consistently, Macao's Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre, by referring to the anti-epidemic experience worldwide, has announced the easing of mask-wearing requirements effective 27 February 2023.

As such, under general situations, a person is no longer required to wear a mask when in outdoor places. Teachers and students of schools of non-tertiary education are also not required to wear masks during classes or activities (including participation in inter-school competitions and camp activities). Tertiary education institutions should refer to the relevant requirements for implementation.

However, masks are still required when people:

• enter medical institutions (except for inpatients);
• enter elderly and rehabilitation homes (except for service users living there); or
• are travelling by public transport other than taxis or school buses (including both drivers and passengers).

As for other indoor venues and modes of transport, their supervisory entities should exercise discretion to decide whether mask-wearing is required. If masks are required, an announcement or a notice should be made in an appropriate manner.

Masks are still required in certain circumstances, namely:

• the organisers of large-scale gathering activities require people to wear a mask before entering the relevant premises;
• nurseries and non-tertiary education institutions where a cluster infection occurs, or a surge of cases in Macao;
• people who develop fever, myalgia, sore throat, cough, runny nose or other flu-like symptoms;
• other circumstances as required by the authorities based on the epidemic situation.

Infants and children aged three or younger can be exempted from using a mask in any venue.

Members of the public are suggested to carry face masks with them when going out, so that they can use it when necessary. They should also have at least two weeks’ supply of masks at home in case of emergency needs. Unvaccinated individuals, and immunocompromised individuals such as elderly people and people with chronic underlying diseases, should wear a mask when staying in crowded places.

The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre stresses that the indoor mask-wearing requirements can be adjusted again according to how the COVID-19 situation continues to develop.

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