Macau Extends Casino Shutdown Until July 23rd
The Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has declared that the shutdown of gambling houses in the Special Administrative Region will be prolonged for five days, until the stroke of midnight on July 23rd.
The initial confinement was initially planned to end on Monday, July 18th, but despite only 27 new occurrences reported on Sunday, the governing body decided to continue the broader confinement, including the closure of its economic mainstay: the casino industry.
The DICJ revealed the news in a statement, indicating that the closure was authorized by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, and outlining the procedures and methods for accessing some of the bureau’s services, as well as the pandemic safety protocols for applying for permits.
While the coronavirus has become widespread in most parts of the globe, China and its Special Administrative Regions continue to largely adhere to a “zero-COVID” strategy, resulting in frequent closures.
According to official data, Macau has recorded over 1,500 COVID cases since June, with over 19,000 individuals in isolation. Earlier this month, some residents were confined at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Macau.
The Chinese territory of Macau enacted a fresh gambling statute in January, introducing significant alterations to the industry. These changes encompass a reduction in the number of gaming tables and machines, as well as the introduction of new guidelines for high-roller rooms.
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