Macau orders closure of all casinos

Monday, 05 Feb, 2020 0

Stock prices of casino operators in Asia and the US fell again after the Macau government took the unprecedented step to close all casinos for at least two weeks.

Macau chief executive Ho Iat-seng warned closures could be extended if the coronavirus continues to spread.

Macau now has 10 confirmed cases, including a casino worker.

"This is a difficult decision, but we have to do it for the health of our residents," he told reporters at a press conference.

Gaming is by far the dominant industry in the former Portuguese colony of just 600,000 residents.

It attracts about 35 million visitors annually, of which the vast majority are from the Mainland.

All 41 casinos will close as well as cinemas, bars, and nightclubs.

Gaming stocks took another tumble after being hammered since the outbreak. The number of visitors to Macau is down a massive 80% over the past week.

Ho said there are no plans yet to close the border crossing to Mainland China but there could be more restrictions if the outbreak continues to spread.

Ho also advised residents to restrict the time they spend outdoors.

"Don’t go on the streets if not necessary. I hope everyone will wear a mask no matter where you go, supermarkets or wet markets. Don’t be careless. Don’t take it lightly," he said.

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES Mabuhay! Welcome to our archipelago of 7,641 islands where there are endless beaches, lively and fashionable cities,...

Via Croatia is a concierge-type, full-service luxury DMC working exclusively with travel agents and luxury tour operators. With 20 years...

Traveltek is the world-leading provider of online solutions for the travel trade, from consumer-facing websites to call centre applications. We...

The Mexico Tourism Board serves as the driving force behind Mexico’s global appeal, orchestrating targeted marketing campaigns to showcase the...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world’s most amazing places...

Travel Outlook, the premier hotel call center™ Travel Outlook is an innovative, custom off-site central reservations office (CRO) service that...

The city has been the vibrant heart of Japan for over 400 years, and is a crossroads where tradition meets...

Palladium Hotel Group is a renowned Spanish hotel chain that first emerged towards the end of the 1960s. Currently present...

SAINT LUCIA IS NO ORDINARY ISLAND Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her...

Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline, flying from ten UK airports to more than 60 destinations across Europe and beyond....

WANDERERS WELCOME to MISSISSIPPI Mississippi is a state for all those who are wanderers at heart. From lush, forested Appalachian foothills to...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...