Macau has closed all gambling establishments in a fresh lockdown due to a spike in COVID-19 infections. The decision was made by the city’s leader, Ho Iat Seng, who mandated all casinos to cease operations from midnight on July 11th until midnight on July 18th. This marks the first time the city has enforced a complete shutdown since the pandemic began, despite previously implementing stringent travel restrictions. The lockdown impacts all businesses, except for essential services. The city has registered over 1,500 COVID-19 cases since June, with over 19,000 individuals in isolation. Despite 90% of the city’s inhabitants being immunized, China and its Special Administrative Regions continue to implement a “zero-COVID” approach.
Thus, even by Western criteria, comparatively small outbreaks can result in stringent governmental measures.
Macau has sanctioned significant modifications to its casino taxation and licensing regulations as the region endeavors to recuperate from the economic setbacks brought about by the pandemic, which transpired prior to the recent surge in outbreaks.
During the initial six months of 2022, Macau’s casino sector witnessed a revenue decline exceeding 80% in comparison to pre-pandemic benchmarks. Even before mandatory quarantines, the industry was grappling with the consequences of travel limitations and other precautions.
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