The epidemic prevention situation in China is generally stable, but imported cases are still severe, The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) recently launched a circuit breaker mechanism, according to preliminary estimation, at least 90 domestic and foreign flights have been temporarily suspended, plus the complicated epidemic prevention of cold chain and new confirmed cases in Shanghai, we have to stay alert.  Following the epidemic prevention guidance from Macao SAR Government, guarding against imported cases and a rebound in indigenous cases, staffs of Macau International Airport have taken more active anti-epidemic measures. In the 8th Epidemic Prevention Working Group Meeting which was held on 25th November, follow up was made based on the suggestions at the 7th Working Group Meeting in August and analyzed the latest epidemic and market conditions.

The 8th Epidemic Prevention Working Group Meeting was hosted by Chairman of the Executive Committee of CAM Dr. Deng Jun, Executive Directors Mr. Chu Tan Neng, Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan, Mr. Lei Si Tai and Mr. Leung Henry Yee Hang and related Department Directors has joined and reported on the working progress.  From 21st November, Macau International Airport has strengthened inspection to all the flights coming from Shanghai, to separate their passengers from others in-coming passengers, and disinfects all the boarding bridges and passages which were used by the Shanghai passengers.  Chairman Deng Jun regarded that the airport operation department as the frontline department of airport epidemic prevention, is necessary to take protective measures for employees to avoid symptoms of infection, establish segregation and disinfection measures in the terminal building and related areas, supervise and follow up the implementation. The infrastructure department was reminded to strengthen the concept of epidemic prevention for employees on construction sites, and be careful to prevent omissions.  The cargo handlers of Menzies Macau Airport Services should also strengthen epidemic prevention measures, learn from the recent cases at Shanghai Pudong Airport to plug loopholes. Internal audits will be necessary to be conducted on epidemic prevention equipment and materials to ensure the quantity and quality of relevant items, and timely supplements should be made to avoid waste and prevent mismanagement. With the effective control of the epidemic in the Mainland and Macao, the tourism has gradually opened up in an orderly manner. Executive Director Mr. Chu Tan Neng said that as the number of flights increases, more attention should be paid to safe operations and to grasp the epidemic; employees in each position need to implement responsibilities and improve efficiency. He expressed the hope to hold onto this Winter and welcome next Spring. Seeing that some airport employees handling logistics have been infected in the Mainland, Executive Director Mr. Kan Cheok Kuan pointed out that the airport can refer to the relevant local government's handling methods and guidelines when dealing with passenger baggage and cargo, and actively seek for better measures to raise requirements and standards. Executive Director Mr. Lei Si Tai believed that the plan is the most efficient solution to emergencies, and in any matter, it is necessary to do a detailed analysis beforehand, and use the rationale to formulate an effective plan in order to bring higher value to the airport. Executive Director Mr. Leung Henry Yee Hang emphasized on the need of contingency plans and action plans. Contingency plans can pre-set solutions for changes in advance. Exercises can improve employee safety awareness. In addition, new equipment can be introduced to create effectiveness.

Macau International Airport (MIA) has successfully attained, on 3rd November 2020 (Macau Time), the Airport Health Accreditation (AHA), awarded by the Airport Council International (ACI). Macau International Airport becomes the latest airport in the Asia-Pacific to be accredited, being 21st in the region and 110th worldwide. It is glad to announce that there will be establishing a nucleic acid testing station at Macau International Airport after striving hard, and is expected to start working at earliest time possible.  MIA will also focus on passenger travel experience while preventing the epidemic. With the increased release of information on the prevention of COVID-19 and the latest arrangements for entry and exit quarantine through various publicity channels. A series of notes version was produced to remind passengers of the precautions and documents prepared before departure, to avoid too much crowds at the departure hall.

Starting from 17th November, the Airport Customer Service Committee coordinated the Marketing Department and Airport Operation Department of CAM, together with Menzies Macau Airport Service and Air Macau to form up the airport service team, to provide health code downloads for passengers at check-in procedures, guide and assist passengers to fill in health declaration, provide guidance and consulting services, so as to get the customs clearance process smoothened and to ease the departure passenger flow during the peak period. In the future, publicity will be strengthened to let passengers know the relevant materials they need to prepare in advance and travel with a peace of mind.

The restaurants, lounge and shops in the terminal has been arranging business hours according to the flight time, continue to provide services to passengers, and actively work together with the airport during the difficult period of civil aviation industry to find business opportunities. As the Taipa Ferry Terminal is partially converted into the T2 of MIA, it is expected that the equipment will be enhanced with intelligence and disinfection functions to meet future civil aviation development and environmental sanitation needs.

The colleagues of Macau International Airport will continue to work hard to overcome difficulties, ensure safe operation, implement epidemic prevention measures, improve passenger service standards, and actively complete tasks without slackening. Consolidate costs, get rid of difficulties, create a new situation, welcome to new era.

Participants at the meeting also include: Director of Finance and Administration Department Ms. Grace Cheang, Director of Planning and Commercial Development Ms. Winnie Hsu, Director of Executive Committee Office Ms. Katy Lo, Director of Marketing Department Mr. Eric Fong, Director of Legal Department Mr. Anthony U, Director of Infrastructure Development Department Mr. Sandro Kou, Director of Corporate Communication & Policy Research Office Ms. Vicki Mou, Director of Airport Operation Department Mr. Antonio Barros, Advisor to Director of Airport Operation Department Mr. Derek Chan and Manager of Pac On Terminal Preparation Office Mr. Eden Wang.