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China's health authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment on infections among medical staff. A few nurses at the fever clinic were tested positive, there aren’t any special protective measures for hospital staff and I believe many of us will soon get infected," Li added. A post on the Weibo social media platform recounted a recent experience at the emergency ward at Beijing Hospital. "Those who have not been to the emergency department of Beijing Hospital don't know what a mess it has become," wrote a Weibo user called Moshang. Beijing Hospital did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for comment.

☆ As Hong Kong opens up, visitors can enter a gym or restaurant immediately
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Travellers arrive at Hong Kong International Airport after the lifting of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) movement controls in Hong Kong, China December 14, 2022. Arriving people now have no movement restrictions but they need to do a PCR COVID test on arrival and again two days after arriving. In another loosening measure, the government announced late on Tuesday that travellers arriving in Hong Kong are free to continue directly to mainland China or Macau as long as they meet the required criteria. Under previous COVID-19 rules, travellers had to wait three days in the city before continuing to the mainland. The move comes after China jettisoned some of the world's toughest restrictions meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

☆ Macau to allow home isolation for COVID infections
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Health officials said that infected patients would be able to stay at home and self-monitor for five days. Macau, a Chinese special administrative region, has directly followed the mainland's coronavirus strategy since 2020, given its huge reliance on Chinese visitors to fuel its gambling-dependent economy. The former Portuguese colony, home to more than 600,000 people, has recorded just over 900 COVID cases since 2020 and six deaths. Macau Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao said last week that up to 80% of the city's population would likely get COVID following a significant easing of pandemic isolation and testing rules. Officials have urged residents not to worry about contracting the virus since most cases involve mild or no symptoms.

Almost three years of pandemic restrictions have been especially hard for Zu, who has autism spectrum disorder, but thanks to Chen's Studio, music has become his saving grace. REUTERS/Tingshu WangBEIJING, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Almost three years of pandemic restrictions have been hard for 23-year-old Chinese villager Zu Wenbao, but thanks to Beijing-based Chen's Studio, music has become his saving grace. All that changed when he started learning music free of charge at Chen's Studio, which started lessons for people with autism just as the pandemic began. Chen says he knew very little about autism before he started teaching a bass player with the disorder in 2020. When COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on movement curtailed his regular music lessons, Chen started the free-of-charge lessons for people with autism.

☆ Macau's 6 casino operators get new licences, Malaysia's Genting out
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 26 (Reuters) - Macau's government said on Saturday its six incumbent casino operators would be given new licences to operate in the world's biggest gambling hub from January, with Malaysian operator Genting missing out on a spot. The highly anticipated announcement signals stability and continuity for the Macau operators who have invested more than $50 billion in the Chinese special administrative region in the past 20 years. Officials in Macau, the world's biggest casino hub, told a news briefing the main considerations for granting licences included ensuring local employment, developing overseas tourist markets and developing non-gaming projects. Sands China (1928.HK), Wynn Macau (WYNN.O), Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK), MGM China (2282.HK), Melco Resorts (MPEy.F), and SJM Holdings (0880.HK), have operated in the Chinese special administrative region since 2002. "We are committed to Macau and its development as Asia's premier tourist destination," Lawrence Ho, chairman and chief executive of Melco, said in a statement.

☆ Police probe playing of Hong Kong protest anthem at Sevens rugby final
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Hong Kong police said on Tuesday they were investigating the playing of a song which was the unofficial anthem of the city's anti-government protests at the men's final of the Sevens Series rugby tournament in South Korea this weekend. "Glory to Hong Kong" was written in 2019, just as Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests erupted, and was considered by many demonstrators in the former British colony to be their national anthem. In a statement, Hong Kong police said China's national anthem should have been played at Sunday's final, which pitted Hong Kong against South Korea in the Asia Rugby-organised tournament in Incheon. The Hong Kong Sevens side won 19-12. Hong Kong leader John Lee said it was up to the organisers to ensure that the correct song was played.

☆ Macau casinos expected to invest around $12 bln over next 10 years -media
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Macau casino operators, vying for a licence in the world's biggest gambling hub, are expected to invest a total of around 100 billion patacas ($12.4 billion) over the next 10 years, local broadcaster TDM reported. Galaxy and Sands may invest more than 20 billion patacas each, while the others will invest less than 20 billion patacas. Altogether the total will be around 100 billion, TDM said. Negotiations with the Macau government are almost complete the broadcaster said, with the bidders having reached agreement about what each of them proposes to do over new 10-year licence term which begins in 2023. The six Macau incumbents have operated in the Chinese special administrative region since 2002, with their current concessions expiring at the end of this year.

☆ As world population hits 8 billion, China frets over too few babies
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Such decisions by countless people like Tang will determine the course not only of China's population but that of the world, which the United Nations says is projected to reach 8 billion on Tuesday. Tang, 39, said many of his married friends have only one child and, like him, they are not planning any more. But now the United Nations expects China's population will start shrinking from next year, when India will likely become the world’s most populous country. China's fertility rate of 1.16 in 2021 was below the 2.1 OECD standard for a stable population and among the lowest in the world. The proportion of the population over the age of 65 is now about 13% but is set to rise sharply.

☆ Casino hub Macau heads toward business as usual after COVID tests find no new infections
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Gaming machines are seen at the casino of MGM Cotai in Macau, China February 13, 2018. REUTERS/Bobby YipHONG KONG, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Authorities in Macau said the world's biggest casino hub, blighted by a COVID-19 outbreak, is on track to return to relative normality after two rounds of mass COVID-19 tests last week found no new infections. The Chinese territory had been observing COVID-19 safety measures without any strict lockdowns until it found an imported coronavirus case on Oct. 26. "The current round of the epidemic has been effectively controlled... Community safety of Macao has been safeguarded," the government said. People crossing the border still require testing for the virus, and all international arrivals are subject to seven days' hotel quarantine.

☆ Macau mass tests its population after COVID-19 infections
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

HONG KONG, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Macau carried out mass testing of its 700,000 residents on Tuesday after the emergence of COVID-19 cases in the past week, including at a major casino that prompted authorities to seal 1,500 people inside. All residents in the world's biggest gambling hub have been told to take a PCR test on Tuesday and then test themselves daily with rapid antigen tests. The order comes as Typhoon Nalgae approaches southern China with authorities hoping the PCR tests can be completed in one day. Authorities locked down MGM China's (2282.HK) Cotai casino resort on Sunday, with staff and guests ordered to stay inside for three days. In one bright note for the industry, travelling to Macau became easier for mainland residents from Tuesday with the advent of an online visa system which replaces the need to file applications in person.

☆ China residents able to travel to Macau using e-visa from Nov 1
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Oct 31 (Reuters) - China's immigration bureau said mainland residents will be able to travel to Macau from Nov. 1 using an online visa system rather than in-person applications, a move that could increase travel to the world's largest gambling hub. Authorities locked down the MGM Cotai casino resort owned by MGM China (2282.HK) on Sunday with staff and guests ordered to stay inside until Nov 1. All of Macau's 700,000 residents are mandated to take rapid antigen tests daily during the period, the government said. Macau's six casino operators - Sands China (1928.HK), Wynn Macau (WYNN.O), Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK), MGM China, Melco Resorts and SJM Holdings (0880.HK) - are currently awaiting a government decision on whether they will be granted new licenses. Reporting by Farah Master and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Kim Coghill and Kenneth MaxwellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Macau reimposes COVID curbs with casino lockdown as infections creep up
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Authorities locked down the MGM Cotai casino resort owned by MGM China (2282.HK) on Sunday with staff and guests ordered to stay inside until Nov 1. All of Macau's 700,000 residents are mandated to take rapid antigen tests daily during the period, the government said. The casino closure deals a blow to operators who have already been grappling with China's "zero COVID" restrictions for more than two and a half years, losing millions of dollars monthly. Shares in Hong Kong-listed Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK) and Wynn Macau (1128.HK) dropped more than 3% early in Monday's session but later reversed course to trade in positive territory. Macau casino executives also said a decision on new licences could come as early as this week.

☆ China passes new women's protection law, revamped for first time in decades
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The legislation comes as activists have expressed concern about increasing government rhetoric on the value of traditional women's roles, and what some see as setbacks for women's rights and more restrictive attitudes towards abortion. It's not yet clear to what extent those more conservative attitudes will be reflected in the new law. It is the first time in nearly 30 years that the law on women's protection was changed. Titled "Women's Rights and Interests Protection Law", the bill was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Thursday. Tens of thousands of people had sent in suggestions for what wanted to see in the legislation, the NPC said on its website.

☆ Macau's MGM Cotai casino locked down after dealer COVID case - media
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Macau's MGM Cotai casino, operated by MGM China (2282.HK), was locked down on Sunday morning after a dealer was found to be infected with COVID-19 in the world's biggest gambling hub, local publication Inside Asian Gaming reported. The closure deals a blow to casino operators who have already been grappling with COVID restrictions for more than two and a half years. Government health workers were at the MGM Cotai site with noone allowed to enter or exit the building, Inside Asian Gaming said. All of Macau's 700,000 residents must take a rapid antigen test for COVID daily from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, Macau's government said in a statement that made no mention of the MGM closure. Macau's six casino operators - Sands China (1928.HK), Wynn Macau (WYNN.O), Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK), MGM China, Melco Resorts and SJM Holdings (0880.HK) - are currently awaiting a government decision on whether they will be granted new licenses.

☆ Large explosion in Taiwan's CPC Dalin oil refinery, no injuries
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Oct 28 (Reuters) - An explosion hit Taiwan's state-backed CPC Dalin Refinery in the southern city of Kaohsiung on Thursday night, videos and images from the Fire Department showed with heavy fire seen above the plant, officials said, adding nobody was hurt in the incident. The city's fire department said flames were put out early on Friday and no one was injured or trapped as per an initial investigation. CPC spokesperson Ray Chang said there was "very limited impact" on the company's output, as it has several other such units in its facilities across the island. The unit, which has a capacity of 40,000 barrels per day according to Refinitiv Eikon, is used to remove sulphur from oil products. The incident happened during routine maintenance at the plant, the city government said.

☆ Chinese authorities ask: Dear newlywed, when's the baby arriving?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Farah Master | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Students at Ayi University, a training program for domestic helpers, practice on baby dolls during a course teaching childcare in Beijing, China December 5, 2018. The Nanjing municipal government and the National Health Commission did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The post was taken down a few hours after it was posted along with all the comments. The first time she was asked if she was taking folic acid and if she was preparing to conceive. Take the time to have a baby," she said she was told.

☆ Hong Kong finance chief stuck in Saudi Arabia after catching COVID
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HONG KONG, Oct 27 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan tested positive for COVID-19 during a visit to Saudi Arabia and will stay there for a "short while" to observe health requirements, the city's government said on Thursday. Chan had been due to complete his visit to Saudi Arabia and return to Hong Kong on Thursday but had tested positive before setting off for home. Hong Kong has scrapped mandatory hotel quarantine but international arrivals still can not enter some places, like bars and restaurants, on the first three days of their visit. Participants in the banking event from abroad will be have to take a COVID test before beginning their journey to Hong Kong, upon arrival and throughout the three-day medical surveillance period, the HKMA said. Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File PhotoHONG KONG, Oct 18 (Reuters) - As Xi Jinping consolidates power at China's 20th Communist Party Congress this week, Chinese women are not holding their breath for progress in gender equality. Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic, famously said "women hold up half the sky" and gender equality is enshrined in the country's constitution. "The trend (now) is usually women serve as a deputy or more symbolic position," he said. The sole current female member, Sun Chunlan, who has spearheaded China's zero-COVID policy, is 72 and expected to retire. The Chinese government body in charge of women's rights, the Women's Federation, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Passengers help a baby wear a mask at the Shanghai railway station in China, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus, February 9, 2020. REUTERS/Aly SongBEIJING, Oct 16 (Reuters) - China will enact policies to boost its birth rate, President Xi Jinping said on Sunday, as policymakers worry that an imminent decline in China's population could hurt the world's second-biggest economy. "We will establish a policy system to boost birth rates and pursue a proactive national strategy in response to population ageing," Xi told some 2,300 delegates in a speech opening the once-in-five-year Communist Party Congress in Beijing. Its fertility rate of 1.16 in 2021 was below the 2.1 OECD standard for a stable population and among the lowest in the world. Still, the desire among Chinese women to have children is the lowest in the world, a survey published in February by think-tank YuWa Population Research showed.

☆ Macau casino operators soar as China allows tour groups after nearly 3 years
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A woman rest next to the decoration inside the Wynn Palace casino resort in Macau, China December 20, 2019, on the 20th anniversary of the former Portuguese colony's return to China. Sands China (1928.HK) rose more than 13%, Wynn Macau (1128.HK) climbed 7%, Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK) advanced 10% while shares of SJM (0880.HK) and MGM China (2282.HK) jumped 8% each. Currently, Chinese tourists to Macau need to book a visa appointment followed by a week-long approval process. The individual visa scheme accounted for around 50% of Chinese visitors to Macau in 2019 while tour groups accounted for around 25% of visitation. In the first phase, the resumption of tour groups will come from five provinces -- Guangdong, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Fujian -- which represented almost 60% of mainland visits to Macau in 2019.

☆ Hong Kong will scrap COVID hotel quarantine from Sept. 26
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Travellers queue up for shuttle bus to quarantine hotels at the Hong Kong International Airport, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Hong Kong, China, August 1, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone SiuHONG KONG, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Hong Kong will scrap its controversial COVID-19 hotel quarantine policy for all arrivals from Sept. 26, more than 2.5 years after it was first implemented, in a long-awaited move for many residents and businesses in the financial hub. The former British colony is a global outlier outside mainland China in imposing hotel quarantine for international arrivals, in line with the country's "dynamic zero" COVID strategy. Both events have been widely seen as a bid to show that Hong Kong can resume business as usual. Hong Kong has reported more than 1.7 million COVID infections and 9,934 deaths since the pandemic began.

☆ Hong Kong leader to make announcement soon on COVID quarantine policy
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Travellers queue up for shuttle bus to quarantine hotels at the Hong Kong International Airport, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Hong Kong, China, August 1, 2022. Lee said he was conscious that Hong Kong needed to retain its competitiveness, adding that authorities wanted to bring back events and activities to the city. We would like to have an orderly opening up...because we don't want to have chaos or confusion in the process," he told reporters. Hong Kong, taking its cues from China which is pursuing a zero-COVID policy, is one of the few places in the world to still require travellers from abroad to quarantine upon arrival though the length of quarantine has eased over time. Business groups, diplomats and many residents have slammed the city's COVID-19 rules, saying they threaten Hong Kong's standing as a global financial centre.

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