INTERVIEWS Rafelle Marie Allego and Cathy Lai
We asked residents about their experiences during the COVID-19 epidemic in Macao. This is what you told us…
William Chao
Age: 35
Profession: Associate professor
“The measures taken by the Macao government were effective. They significantly lowered the risks of community transmission and reduced public anxiety.”
Lam Fong Chan
Age: 65
Profession: Housewife
“I’ve been happy to see that at each entrance of many public facilities, there are people from the government checking visitors’ temperatures. This reminds people to stay alert.”
Gilberto Camacho
Age: 41
Profession: IT engineer
“I really appreciate that the new Chief Executive had the courage to take difficult decisions quickly, such as closing entertainment complexes for two weeks. Between the health of the people and the economy, he chose the first one.”
Nair Cardoso
Age: 41
Profession: Kindergarten teacher
“With schools cancelled, we have kept a positive and close ‘virtual’ relationship with students to minimise the impact on them. Our government has shown efficiency, clarity and transparency. I am proud of the measurements implemented.”
Ari Calangi
Age: 29
Profession: Musician
“As a freelance musician, my income mainly comes from doing shows in China but with many of them cancelled, I’ve kept myself busy writing and arranging music. I hope, after the outbreak is gone, we’ll all still keep a clean and healthy environment.”
Capricorn Leong
Age: ‘30s’
Profession: Online eco-friendly shop founder
“I have received messages from my customers asking about organic cleaning products and even facemasks. The sales of meal boxes have increased a bit as more people have opted for buying takeaway food instead of eating in restaurants.”
Joe Chan
Age: 41
Profession: Biologist and teacher
“In the school that I work at, the teachers created online lessons with PowerPoint and videos. The students then downloaded them from the school’s e-learning system so they could continue to learn at home at any time.”
Rain Chan Weng Loi
Age: 28
Profession: Musician
“Everyone is solidly united thanks to the government committing to their role in safeguarding our wellbeing. I hope things return to normal quickly but, in the meantime, I have had music to arrange so it’s been a good learning period!”
Emily Jenna Smith
Age: 26
Profession: Vegetarian takeaway general manager
“Since the first case, the government’s promptness has been an absolute blessing. Everyone in Macao was given masks and their health was ensured, even going so far as closing down all the entertainment resorts.”
Luciano Conçeicao Gonçalves
Age: 36
Profession: JCI 2020 national president
“Under the strong leadership and the amazing effort by our government throughout this epidemic, we are confident that Macao will soon recover. We will continue to support and contribute to our beloved community.”
