Operator News

China – Macau’s casinos could close over Coronavirus breakout

By Phil - 24 January 2020

The feared spread of the deadly Wuhan Coronavirus, which has seen 26 people die with over 800 infected in China, could see Macau’s 39 casinos close.

Macau’s Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, said: “Honestly, from the experience of SARS, if the situation is so serious, no-one will go to a casino. We appeal to the public not to go out unless it’s absolutely necessary. That’s the best prevention. We had no choice but to cancel the New Year celebrations even when everything was ready.”

Macau saw its second confirmed case of the virus earlier this week with Chinese New Year celebrations already cancelled to ‘reduce the risk of propagation’ of the disease. A further ten people are being kept under observation.

Casino operator SJM, has also cancelled its annual Lunar New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, which was due to take place this week. Operators have also been testing the temperate at over 400 guest entrances into their casinos as well as nearly 50 staff entrances.

Casino workers have been ordered to wear respiratory face masks while working by the Health Bureau.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) said: “During the Lunar New Year, DICJ inspectors will be stationed at the casinos to monitor the admission and operation of the casinos for 24 hours, and will continue to review various epidemic prevention measures of gaming companies.”

Travel out of 10 Chinese cities has already been banned with a total of about 33 million people being prevented from travelling from Wuhan, where the illness began, and nine of its neighbouring city’s in central China’s Hubei province.
However, Macau currently has round 3,000 visitors from Hubei province, including 2,077 from Wuhan.