Under strict adherence to health protocols
As per a recent announcement issued by the government, Macau is set to reopen casinos on Saturday, July 23. In an attempt to stop a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases, for limited operation of non-essential industries and commercial activities.
Most non-essential industries and commercial companies and venues in Macao will be able to resume limited operation from after the stroke of midnight on Saturday (23 July) until the stroke of midnight on 30 July 2022, on the basis of compliance with anti-epidemic guidelines issued by local health authorities.
The suspension of non-essential industrial and commercial activities in place from 11 to 22 July inclusive has been effective in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the community and in reducing the risk of new outbreak. From 23 to 29 July inclusive, the following companies, entities and venues will be allowed normal operation:
The Government press release says: “Companies providing basic public services, i.e., suppliers of water, electricity, natural gas, and other fuel; telecommunication services; public transport; and waste collection. Also in this category are commercial services necessary to the functioning of the community, namely hotel and associated accommodation; cleaning services; property management; and companies and entities responsible for wholesaling or transporting day-to-day produce and goods.”
Ao Ieong U, Macau secretary for social affairs and culture, said at a briefing that the city will allow gaming venues to resume operations, “as long as they meet the required conditions in regard to ventilation and disinfection. The facilities are also required to have 50% of normal staffing levels at work, and activities that require the removal of masks for extended periods of time are forbidden. There’s been extended assessment from health and other regulatory agencies, and we found casinos’ ventilation and cleaning to be compliant.”
Although casinos will be allowed to reopen on Saturday, bars, cinemas and nightclubs will remain shut and dining-in services at restaurants suspended. The partial reopening will take place over two weeks, with businesses such as beauty parlors and health clubs continuing to be shut. Residents are still required to stay home apart from those who need to go out for “work, shopping or other urgent reasons,” a statement said.
