Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

AsiaWire

This is the moment travellers fall over one another as thousands force their way into a border post before China announced stricter measures for those returning to the mainland last week.

Shocking video from Macau’s Lotus Bridge checkpoint shows mask-wearing travellers lugging bags and suitcases as they queue in their thousands to enter the city of Zhuhai in China’s southern province of Guangdong.

Guangdong, which borders both Macau and Hong Kong, said all citizens returning to the mainland would be subject to mandatory coronavirus testing and 14-day quarantine starting 6am local time on 27th March.

The new measures coincided with the Chinese government’s new travel restrictions, which have banned all foreign nations – even those with valid resident permits and visas – since midnight on 28th March.

AsiaWire

Macau immigration authorities said 11,600 people rushed across the border into Zhuhai via Hengqin Island in the eight hours before the new measures came into effect.

Images from the Lotus port show travellers packed shoulder to shoulder inside and outside of the border post, with many falling and climbing over barriers as they try to enter mainland China before the deadline.

Figures from Macau said at least 5,800 people used the Lotus checkpoint, while 4,300 individuals crossed via the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone.

An additional 1,400 travellers entered mainland China by car using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

AsiaWire

Officials said the influx was 10 times the usual amount.

It is understood that similar restrictions have not been placed on Guangdong residentes who wish to enter Macao.

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