Coronavirus: Macau’s casinos now shut for two weeks

Shut down was managed by inspectors from Macau’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Macau.-   As of midnight, all of Macau’s casinos, slot machine parlours, VIP clubs, horse and sports betting venues have closed their doors to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading further.

The closure was ordered by Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng.

The closure was controlled by inspectors from Macau’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

According to IAG, an hour before midnight the casinos began refusing entry to guests while notifying others already inside that they must exit before 12.

On Tuesday, local authorities took the decision to close all 41 casinos, nightclubs, cinemas, arcade venues and other places of entertainment for a period of two weeks starting today after new cases of the virus were confirmed. 

The decision was made after a meeting with operators who have agreed to uphold workers rights during the closure.

“The gaming concessionaires promised they would not force staff to take unpaid leave. They will continue with their corporate social responsibility,” Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wei Long, said.

Analysts have predicted the impact on Macau’s February GGR could see year-on-year decline of as much as 75%, assuming all casinos and gaming operations re-open for business on 20 February as planned.