According to the information of the World Health Organization, Italy and Iran are experiencing severe outbreaks of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection with cases exported to multiple countries. In order to step up prevention, the MSAR Government has decided that starting from 12:00 noon today (29th February), individuals who have been to Italy or Iran within the past 14 days prior to their entry into Macao must, at the discretion of the health authorities, undergo medical observation in isolation for 14 days at a designated venue, without prejudice to other epidemic prevention measures of the MSAR Government. For Macao residents, medical observation can be carried out at a domestic venue deemed appropriate by the health authorities, whereas non-Macao residents will be placed at a designated hotel at their own expenses.