On the morning of October 4, 2021, news and messages came and went, mobile phones rang and rang. Our city, Macao, is dealing with a fresh outbreak of COVID-19. Volunteers, for the community-wide mandatory nucleic acid testing (NAT), were well prepared themselves at any time.

Macao S.A.R. government has arranged a total of three city-wide nucleic acid tests, including the ones conducted in August and September. Volunteers, from different units and departments, together with the teachers and students from each College, put their work and schoolwork aside, wearing masks and getting into full protective gear, rushed to the designated NAT station as fast as they could, to assist in the task for the Macao citizens.

The city-wide NAT operation lasted several days and nights. The healthcare workers and the volunteers were too busy to take a rest during the operation. They were, at the same time, striving for ONE goal – to help every citizen complete the test as smoothly as they could and wish everyone would be tested negative.

Fortunately, the result was not as bad as feared. We appreciate the kindness of the volunteers who were so eager to lend a hand. The following are the reflective thoughts shared by the teachers and students of Choi Kai Yau College who volunteered in the NAT operation:

CKYC Associate Master Dr. Yaning QI

I was a volunteer in the 2nd NAT and assisted in keeping order of the citizens for the test. I went to two different NAT stations in two days, received all kinds of people, and encountered different kinds of problems. On those two days, I have been doing reception work, together with several colleagues and students, at the front door. Under the scorching sun, I coped with the anger and complaints from the people. We all deeply understood the difficulties that the front-line staff encountered. I found that, the government has improved the process and arrangements for the NAT drives from each round of NAT operation, and our citizens have also cooperated highly. The entire process was efficient and orderly. I hope that Macao can return to normal as soon as possible.

CKYC Resident Fellow Mr. Lantz WU

What impressed me the most was that different social associations and units have been trying so hard to help the people with disabilities and special needs. Everyone has tried the best on the NAT operation. We may only help a little but we do our best. It was meaningful to help Macao’s epidemic prevention work.

CKYC Student WONG Wan Si

I am very honored to be able to participate in the second and third rounds of national nucleic acid testing volunteer activities. I helped out at Escola Oficial de Seac Pai Van on both occasions and witnessed the hard work of frontline staff. From being unfamiliar to being able to help the citizens deftly in the process, this gave me a sense of accomplishment. I am proud to be able to do my best for Macao. I hope that the epidemic will pass soon and the society will be restored to vitality.

CKYC Student IO Chi Kit

Ruthless coronavirus, loving world. During this volunteer activity, I saw that many UM students and teachers from other places actively participated in the volunteer work and made contributions to Macao’s fight against the coronavirus. As a Macao citizen, I also want to protect and contribute to my home. Salute to all the frontline workers who silently serve, thank you for your efforts!

CKYC Student CHAN Chi Weng

This is the second time I volunteer to participate in the NAT Programme at Seac Pai Van Public School Caring NAT Station, I was responsible for maintaining order and check the health code. In addition, I also need to check whether the citizens are qualified for using a Caring NAT Station. As a frontliner, I am grateful for all the citizens’ cooperation and understanding. A simple “Thank you” or “Thanks a lot” from citizens is the motivation for us to continue working. All frontliners work hard responsibly at their posts, and do their best to do the Mass Nucleic Acid Testing. Last but not least, I hope everyone will take preventive measures, wear masks and reduce going out. Let’s protect Macao together! Fight the pandemic together!

Postscript

Behind every volunteer’s wholehearted dedication to the NAT service, their families’ support is crucially important – as parents, they need the understanding of their spouse and children, to let go of taking care of their families, during the operation. As sons and daughters, they have to comfort their parents, and ease their worries of the risk that they will take. However, more important than their own needs, to help the government for quick identification of potential individuals who have been infected, and to prevent the COVID-spread in the community, is the goal that everyone strives for.

We, CKYC, hereby express heartfelt gratitude to every single healthcare worker and volunteer, for their love for our city.

Let us protect our home and fight against the epidemic together.

By: CKYC, Yaning QI, Lantz WU, WONG Wan Si, IO Chi Kit, CHAN Chi Weng