Macau Closes Casinos In Response To Coronavirus OutbreakThe World's Leading Gaming Destination Will Shut Down Gaming Operations For At Least Two Weeks |
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Just days after the coronavirus outbreak was designated as an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization, Macau has officially announced that casinos in the area will be closed for at least two weeks in response to the outbreak, which has now reportedly claimed more than 425 lives and infected more than 20,000 people.
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Macau rose to 10 this week, including two employees at Casino establishments. As a result, Chief Executive of Macau Ho Iat Seng announced that the region’s 41 casinos will be asked to close for at least the next fortnight.
“Of course this was a difficult decision, but we must do it for the health of Macau’s residents,” said Ho in a televised conference.
The world’s leading gambling destination has already been impacted by the coronavirus, with concerns about the spread of the virus being a contributor to an 11.3 percent decrease in gaming revenue in January.
Casinos are far from the only businesses and services that have been affected by the health emergency. Major auto manufacturers have closed their factories in the area, while Apple and Starbucks have closed their stores. Macau announced on Tuesday that basic public services will also be suspended as residents are urged to remain at home as much as possible.
The outbreak has also caused the postponement of a major poker tournament series. The 2020 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju was scheduled to take place South Korea starting on Feb. 10, but has been delayed indefinitely due to the virus.
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