Australia: casinos in Queensland to close amid Covid-19 outbreak
Casinos in Queensland have been ordered to temporarily close for a snap three-day lockdown due to a rise in Covid-19 cases amid the arrival of the Delta strain.
Australia.- Authorities have ordered The Treasury Brisbane, The Star Gold Coast and The Ville Resort-casino to close for a snap three-day lockdown that aims to quash an outbreak of the Covid-19 Delta variant in the state of Queensland.
Although the casino operators initially expected to only reduce their operating capacities, the government has taken a stricter decision as two Covid-19 cases were detected in the community.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the areas under the new restrictions are Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Redlands, Moreton, Somerset and Logan. Residents must stay at home except for essential reasons and must wear face masks outside of their homes.
A similar decision was taken in Sydney, where The Star will remain closed until at least July 2.
In Sydney, lockdown rules will remain until July 9 in some areas. People can only leave their homes for essential purposes.
The Star Sydney will continue to pay staff during the seven-day closure. The company said it will remain committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of its team members and guests.
Last week, local media reported that authorities will check hospitality venues in Sydney are complying with Covid-19 rules. Liquor and Gaming NSW will be in charge of inspections with around 40 inspectors dedicated to the task.
Elsewhere, Crown Melbourne was allowed to reopen its hotel and food and beverage facilities on June 11 after a two-week lockdown but the Victorian Government has not granted the casino permission to resume its gaming activities.
Crown said it would continue to financially support staff who remain stood down, including the majority of gaming operational staff, by paying an additional discretionary payment. This includes eligible casual staff.
