Macao closes casinos to curb spread of COVID-19

Macao shut all its casinos for the first time in more than two years on Monday (July 11) as authorities struggle to contain the worst COVID-19 outbreak yet in the world's biggest gambling hub.

Ho Iat-seng, Macao Chief Executive, said all non-essential companies have to suspend services from today to July 18 and only government-approved sectors can remain open, such as supermarkets, restaurants and medical facilities.

More than 30 casinos in the city, as well as other non-essential businesses, will be closed for a week and people have been ordered to stay at home.

About 1,500 cases of COVID-19 infection have been recorded in the Macao SAR since mid-June. According to government figures, around 19,000 people are under compulsory quarantine.

Analysts say the suspension could be extended for a few more weeks and that gaming revenues are unlikely to resume operation until the end of the third or fourth quarter.

Authorities have added two hotels in the popular casino resort to serve as medical facilities for COVID-19 as they try to increase capacity to handle the surge in infections.

More than 90 percent of Macao residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is the first time the city has had to deal with the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.