Macau has officially announced that casinos in the area will be closed for around 15 days and even more in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has reportedly claimed over 425 lives and infected over 20,000 people. However, hotels and restaurants at casino properties will remain open.
The announcement came on Tuesday after the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Macau rose to 10 this week, including two employees at Casinos. As a result, Chief Executive of Macau Ho Iat Seng announced that the region’s 41 casinos will be closed for half a month.
“Of course this was a difficult decision, but we must do it for the health of Macau’s residents,” said Ho in a conference.
Macua has been a cash cow for the casino players from all around the world for almost two decades, generating more than five times the revenue of Las Vegas in 2018. But in January, as the coronavirus outbreak hit the world’s gaming capital badly, it led to a 11.3 percent decrease in gaming revenue.
Apart from Casinos, major auto factories along with Apple and Starbucks stores have closed. The outbreak has also caused the postponement of 2020 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Jeju. The series was scheduled to run from February 10-22 but has been postponed due to the virus.