Integrated resort operators join Macao SAR Government push to expand COVID-19 vaccination

Macao’s six integrated resort operators have joined the Macao SAR Government’s drive to expand the city’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, by setting up vaccination stations within their properties.

The operators have also organised educational seminars and offered incentives such as leave or cash prizes to encourage their staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

These initiatives aim to ensure the health and safety of integrated resort employees, guests and the wider community, while assisting with the building of herd immunity and securing Macao’s prior achievements in combating the pandemic.

This effort involved Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Ltd, MGM China Holdings Ltd, Sands China Ltd, SJM Holdings Ltd and Wynn Macau Ltd.

Alvis Lo Iek Long, Director of the Macao SAR Government Health Bureau, pointed out that these initiatives were important to boost Macao’s community-wide vaccination drive. “With a rebound of the pandemic situation in neighbouring cities, all sectors of the community in Macao should continue to strictly implement related prevention measures, and citizens should make appointments for vaccinations as soon as possible,” Alvis Lo said.

More than 10,000 staff working for the city’s integrated resort operators and family members had received their COVID-19 vaccine as of the end of June, according to information provided by the six companies.

The educational seminars have been conducted by Tai Wa Hou, Clinical Director of the Conde S. Januário Hospital of the Health Bureau, who provided information on the vaccines currently available in Macao. Dr. Tai talked about the vaccines’ abilities to defend against coronavirus variants and how long the antibodies last. He also gave an overview of Macao’s COVID-19 prevention effort and control measures.

The six companies have also organised back-of-house campaigns to promote the importance of vaccination among employees.

In addition, the integrated resort operators have implemented a range of pandemic prevention measures on their respective properties and in its back-of-house areas, in addition to supporting several initiatives in the community. That was in order to support the Macao SAR Government’s related guidelines and policies, and work together with the community in the pandemic prevention efforts.

As of the end of June, more than 235,000 people in Macao had received a COVID-19 vaccine, either the first jab or both doses, according to the city’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre.