On August 2, 2021, Macao SAR confirmed two COVID-19 cases. In response, Macao SAR Government swiftly responded by conducting its first city-wide nucleic acid test of the year. Under the leadership of the Macao SAR government, the coordination and guidance by the University of Macau (UM), our campus nucleic acid testing station was in full operation after barely two days of preparation. Macao’s anti-pandemic capability is second to none in the world. Serving this society is an honour. Here, everyone was moved by being able to contribute in fighting the pandemic.
MLC of UM immediately organised the anti-pandemic team. The two resident fellows of MLC, Gary Fung and Venus Viana, together with academic staff from nine other colleges arrived at the nucleic acid testing center at the designated time and served the people day and night. The city-wide nucleic acid test, which operated 24 hours a day for three consecutive days, completed successfully. The entire population was tested negative!
Macao was pandemic-free for the next 60 days before another outbreak during the night on September 24. Just like the previous outbreak, the Macao SAR Government instantly launched a city-wide nucleic acid test. With previous experience, the handling of the second city-wide test was a lot more efficient. Preparation took less than one day. At 3pm on September 25, all the 52 nucleic acid testing centers across Macao were in operation.
Once again, the students and teachers of MLC threw themselves into the fight against the epidemic. Four members served at nucleic acid test centers, this time at the University of Macau, Escola Official de Seac Pai Van, and Keang Peng School. Among these stations, the Seac Pai Van center was specially reserved for citizens aged 3 or below, 80 or above, pregnant, and with disabilities. Thus, it is exceptionally meaningful for the MLC members who volunteered at the Seac Pai Van center. These volunteers fought the hot weather and worked day and night to contribute to the control of the pandemic! The good news arrived promptly: the Nucleic acid test results proved negative for all citizens!
Through the services, the members of MLC experienced and realized a number of competencies of RC 2.0: teachers and students showed patriotism and actively took up civic responsibility. They also worked closely with the Macao SAR Government and various departments of UM to help contribute to society and serve others. The teachers and students shared their heartfelt love in fighting the pandemic.
Venus Viana (Resident Fellow of MLC): The first time when I participated in the nucleic acid testing station, I ended up working for three days without fully accepting that Macau found positive cases of COVID-19. The arrival of the second pandemic was much more worrying. It occurred while teaching was in full swing, MLC was crowded with students, and was facing various challenges. While two of us participated in the nucleic acid testing centers, our College Master, other colleagues, and student leaders supported each other to handle every College matter. Here I wish to show my heartfelt thanks to my wonderful MLC team!
Gary Fung (Resident Fellow of MLC): I’m very happy to serve Macao and UM twice in this way. Based on the two experiences of participating in volunteer services, I feel that we have absorbed the lessons of the first time. The second test was much smoother than the first. It was an unforgettable experience to be able to participate in this work for the Macao SAR Government and on behalf of the University of Macau. At the same time, being able to work side by side with students at the Seac Pai Van center also left precious memories in me. Helping citizens with special needs during the long nights is a way to help me grow and develop!
Leong Kuan Pui (student of MLC and FST): I am honoured to be able to participate in the second round of volunteer activities for the city-wide nucleic acid test. During this period, I was able to personally experience the hardships of frontline medical staff, especially those who served the mid-night shifts. I am very glad to be able to work side by side with them for Macao. We hope that Macao will return to safety and stability under our efforts, and become better with our enthusiasm!
Nie Mengyao (student of MLC and FST): This Monday, I participated as a volunteer at the nucleic acid testing center of Kiang Ping School. My main task was to check everyone’s health code. We found old ladies with red code and yellow code. We were very surprised at the time, but quickly calmed down and sought help from our coordinator. Generally speaking, our work went smoothly. Another student and I both did not speak Cantonese but we learned to say “it’s alright” and “you don’t have to make an appointment” to the citizens. Although our accents were funny, everyone was kind to us. I am excited to be able to participate in this volunteer activity and hope that the people of Macao are healthy and happy!
【By Venus Viana, Gary Fung, Liang Junpei & Nie Mengyao; MLC 30/09/ 2021】
