Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng is looking to the widening distribution of Covid vaccinations to help further ease tourist travel from China.
“We are continuing to discuss how to simplify current entry restrictions with the mainland government,” Ho said𑁋a key aim being mutual agreement on a policy for exempting vaccinated travelers on both sides of the border from having to produce negative virus test results.
Macau has begun distributing second vaccine doses in an effort to bring the territory up to speed with the neighboring mainland city of Zhuhai and other cities in the Greater Bay Area that are well into their vaccination schedules.
Those receiving the second dose will receive a “Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate” which records personal details and the type of vaccine provided, a document the government sees as playing an important role in a full reopening of borders with the mainland.
“We want to fight for more conveniences. It might not be successful, but we will try our best,” Ho said.
China recently launched its own “vaccine passport,” called the “International Travel Health Certificate,” which likewise contains personal information, virus test results, vaccination records and the test results of antibodies.
The ITHC currently is available for Chinese nationals only, but the Chinese government is looking to reach mutual recognition with other countries.
