People wear masks as they walk near Ruins of St. Paul’s, following the coronavirus outbreak in Macau in 2020.People wear masks as they walk near Ruins of St. Paul’s, following the coronavirus outbreak in Macau in 2020.
Most residents are asked to stay home, restaurants will be shut for dine-in and border restrictions have been tightened, meaning casino revenue is likely to be close to zero for at least a week and likely in the coming weeks, analysts said.leading the slide falling over 8% the biggest decline since March 15.Macau’s government relies on casinos for over 80% of its income, with most of the population employed directly or indirectly by the casino industry.
Macau’s previous coronavirus outbreak was in October last year. An outbreak in the neighbouring Chinese territory of Hong Kong this year saw more than 1 million confirmed infections, and more than 9,000 deaths, swamping hospitals and public services. Macau only has one public hospital and its services are already stretched on a daily basis. The territory’s swift plan to test its entire population comes as it keeps open the border with mainland China, with many residents living and working in the neighbouring Chinese city Zhuhai.