Sands China responds to concerning viral video

Sands China says a video showing staff accommodation does not show its current setup during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Macau.- Sands China, one of the biggest casino operators in Asia, has issued a statement explaining a video that went viral this week showing concerning scenes regarding its efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

The video shows team member accommodation located in a big room, a clear violation of government requirements aimed at containing the spread of the deadly virus.

But Sands China has hit back saying the video was recorded during a typhoon that happened in the past.

“Regarding a recent video circulating on social media purporting to show Sands China’s current team member accommodations, Sands China wishes to clarify that the video in question was taken during a typhoon in the past and shows a temporary rest area prepared for team members on duty.”

“The company takes the health and wellbeing of team members very seriously, and is committed to taking welfare measures such as providing hotel accommodations for team members in need of temporary housing during this difficult time of the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] outbreak”, the statement added.

“Sands China expresses concern over the misleading information about the company which has been circulating and subsequently causing unnecessary anxiety among the public, at a time when the company is fully committed to its virus-fighting efforts. Sands China wishes to clarify that the rumour is not true, and reserves the right to take legal action”, it continued.

The statement was accompanied by two photos of the ballroom depicted in the video and a caption reading, “The current state of the venue in question is pictured above.”

“Sands China reiterates that the company has implemented a series of preventive measures across its properties in order to safeguard the health and safety of guests and team members, in accordance with guidelines from the Health Bureau and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau,” Sands China said.