Macao reports 12 local COVID-19 cases, closes schools

This Nov 18, 2019 photo shows a view of the Macao city in south China. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

MACAO – China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday reported 12 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, according to the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center of Macao.

The Macao SAR government said public venues, including schools, parks, museums, and sports facilities will be closed starting Sunday to reduce crowd gatherings.

Mass testing will start on Sunday at noon, which is scheduled to be completed within two days

Mass testing will start on Sunday at noon, which is scheduled to be completed within two days, according to the center.

The source of the infections is unclear yet, said Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government, at a press conference.

READ MORE: Macao tightens entry rules for recovered COVID-19 patients

Those leaving Macao to enter its neighboring city Zhuhai in the Chinese mainland are required to present negative nucleic acid test reports effective within 24 hours instead of the previous seven days.