Macau casinos reopen – but not fully operational yet
The majority of Macau’s casinos are once again open after a widespread lockdown was downgraded on 23 July 2022.
Macau’s casinos are now open with limited operations, as the region continues to remain vigilant against Covid-19.
Per reopening conditions, 50% of casino staff may return to the workplace. All returning workers are subject to strict disinfection guidelines, with no more than one person per two square metres of space permitted. Social distancing rules apply to both staff and casino customers.
Despite this tentative reopening, business operations remain depressed because stringent travel restrictions continue to constrain tourism volumes.
Citizens travelling to Macau from Zhuhai must present a negative Covid certificate no older than 48 hours before entering the region.
To return to Zhuhai, not only is another test certificate taken 24 hours before departure needed, but seven days of quarantine are required in a designated Zhuhai Government facility.
A total of 35 casinos in Macau have reopened since 23 July, with only two remaining closed. These are Regency Art Hotel and Broadway Macau – both will continue to be used for quarantine purposes. Regency Art Hotel is operated by SJM Holdings, while Broadway Macau is part of Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Reopened casinos must continue to operate at 50% until Macau’s “consolidation” phase expires. According to the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, this period is due to run until 29 July 2022.
After this period, it is expected that Macau’s casinos will return to pre-lockdown levels of operation – with travel restrictions still in place.
Whether 29 July truly marks the end of Macau’s “consolidation” phase remains to be seen. A lot will depend, of course, on the evolving nature of the region’s current Covid outbreak.
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