Macau Reopens Businesses, But Casinos Remain Limited

Macaus top official, Ho Iat Seng, has declared that industrial and commercial endeavors, encompassing gambling establishments, will recommence limited operations commencing at the stroke of midnight on July 23rd.

The resumption of these enterprises will adhere to the Macau Health Bureau’s pandemic control directives, excluding childcare facilities, shops within shopping centers, or ongoing interior renovation undertakings in structures.

The Chief Executive also upheld the stay-at-home directive, mandating the populace to remain within their residences except for employment, procuring necessities, or other essential errands. Individuals venturing outside must consistently wear N95 face coverings.

Motion picture theaters, indoor play areas, game and electronic gaming rooms, internet cafes, billiard parlors, bowling alleys, steam baths, massage parlors, beauty salons, fitness centers, health clubs, karaoke venues, bars, nightclubs, discos, dance halls, and swimming pools will remain closed until further notification.

Restaurants will exclusively provide takeaway services and will not reinstate dine-in services. The extent of patronage experienced by the concessionaires following reopening under these sustained restrictions remains uncertain.

The city of Macau implemented a shutdown of all non-essential businesses and industries, starting on July 11th and lasting until the 22nd. This closure was extended as the outbreak worsened, leaving many individuals stuck in various locations throughout the city, including the Lisboa Hotel Casino.

Although the outbreak is relatively minor compared to Western standards and has not resulted in any fatalities, China’s ongoing “zero-COVID” policy means that any cases in any region can trigger strict government actions.

Official statistics indicate that over 90% of residents in the Special Administrative Region have been fully immunized, having received at least two doses of a vaccine.

Over the past week, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases has consistently decreased, dropping from 109 confirmed cases on July 10th to 6 on July 18th.

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