Macao police will impose traffic restrictions around areas adjacent to venues of handover ceremonies and nearby maritime areas, starting from 2:00 p.m. on December 18 to the midnight of December 20, in an effort to secure a smooth handover of Macao to China, a high-ranking Macao police officer said on December 10.

Commander of Macao's Public Security Police Jose Proenca Branco told a news briefing that during the period, access to the above-mentions areas will only be given to those carrying appropriate access cards.

For security reasons, all commercial activities in the areas will be suspended, and the government will not make compensations for any resulting losses, the officer said.

He reminded residents of the need to buy some gas, foodstuffs and daily necessities in advance to avoid unnecessary problems.

The commander warned residents not to approach windows nor attempt to film or photograph handover events, for their own personal safety.

Macao police will intensify efforts for maritime security. And related areas will be declared as provisionally off-limits. All boats are forbidden to stop or reverse course, and must travel at normal speed. Fishing is also forbidden on the waterfront of the above mentioned off-limits area, the officer said.