Macau health authorities said on Friday that the Covid tally in its latest outbreak had jumped to 170.

During an afternoon press conference, they were asked about the possibility of a third round of citywide coronavirus screening.

"There is a huge chance for us to conduct mass testing [again], but we don't know when," health bureau director Alvis Lo said.

"If we are sure in achieving zero infections, we need more means to do so."

The gambling hub is currently conducting a testing exercise and residents have been ordered to get screened before midnight.

Authorities also said they are following up on more than 5,800 people due to their links to confirmed Covid patients.