Macao, the fights against Covid-19 in the eye of the hurricane

Abstract

Objective: to analyse how the Macao Special Administrative Region deals with the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Methodology: analysis of the laws in force in the territory, the decisions made, and the practices adopted. Results: Macao, unlike several other countries, had already specific legislation to combat health crises – Law n. 2/2004 – which facilitated the immediate adoption of restrictive of rights and freedom measures, without inquiries as to their legality and/or constitutionality. The population’ social behaviour and the adoption of voluntary measures - masks wearing and voluntary quarantine - were also identified as important factors to face the disease. The principles of precaution and necessity can be clearly observed in the adoption of health measures by the Macao government. Conclusion: the control of the pandemic was achieved by using several measures – some legally based, others purely social – fully supported by the population. Macao is an authentic case study of how to control a pandemic.