A domestic workers’ union has denounced the Macau government’s order for all Filipinos in the city to undergo daily Covid-19 tests, calling it discriminatory.
Jassy Santos, the chairperson of the Progressive Labour Union of Domestic Workers in Macau, told HKFP she believed the requirement unfairly targeted Filipinos at a time when many – who mostly work as domestic workers, or in industries affected by the outbreak including tourism and gaming – were already struggling.
“If the government is really serious about [tackling] the outbreak, why not [test] all? Why not the mainlanders, the people from Myanmar [and] Dubai?” the 46-year-old Filipina asked, adding that the order was “racist and unfair.”
Macau, which had been spared major Covid-19 outbreaks since the epidemic began over two years ago, saw a dramatic spike in cases this month. The daily caseload reached over 100 in early July, though the situation has eased significantly with just five new infections – none of which were classified as community cases – recorded on Thursday.
The government announced on Thursday that it would now include “people of Filipino nationality” in a key Covid-19 testing group, requiring them to undergo three days of tests starting Friday. Mass testing had previously involved either the entire population, or people working in certain industries or who had visited certain areas.
The requirement includes Filipinos with Macau residency. Those under the age of three, and people with disabilities, are not exempt.
The city has recorded 5,678 Covid-19 infections and six deaths as of Thursday, according to Macau’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the statement, authorities said that among the total number of Covid-19 cases that Macau has recorded, there were 171 – or 9.5 per cent – that involved Filipinos. The figure was described as “comparatively high.”
“As this group of people interact together very frequently, we hope to… find the potential cases in the community through testing.”
Macau was put under strict lockdown on July 11. Businesses, including the casinos that contribute half of the city’s GDP, are shut and the population is barred from leaving their homes except for essential activities such as grocery shopping.
Consulate defends requirement
The Philippines consulate in Macau, however, defended the city’s requirement and urged Filipinos to comply.
“Let’s avoid making this order a political issue. We should see this as an health issue… to achieve the dynamic zero-Covid target,” the consulate wrote in a Facebook post published on Thursday.
Macau’s pandemic strategy is closely aligned with that of mainland China’s, with strict lockdowns and a colour-coded health code system that determines whether one can enter businesses such as restaurants and hotels.
“The current time and situation demands… our wider understanding,” the post read, adding that “cooperation and support” was key for the “safety of the entire society of Macau that we belong to.”
Santos, who had been working in Macau as a domestic worker for seven years, said she was “very disappointed” that the consulate had backed the Macanese authorities.
“They didn’t question the government on why it’s only Filipinos [who have to get tested],” she told HKFP.
There are around 30,000 Filipinos in Macau, according to the consulate.
Last year, the Hong Kong government also ordered domestic workers to take mandatory Covid-19 tests, a move that was widely criticised by activist groups as racist. At the time, both the Philippines and Indonesian consulates in the city called on the government to apply pandemic rules fairly.
“At least the consulate[s] in Hong Kong knows how to stand up [for workers],” she said.
HKFP has reached out to the Macau government and the Philippines consulate in the city for comment.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
LATEST FROM HKFP
HKFP has an impartial stance, transparent funding, and balanced coverage guided by an Ethics Code and Corrections Policy.
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
