February 04, 2020, 02:55 PM
Macau had asked all casino operators to suspend operations for two weeks, in an attempt to curb the spread of the Wuhan novel coronavirus.
Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) will suspend gambling activities for two weeks in an attempt to curb the novel #coronavirus outbreak, says Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng. pic.twitter.com/c59HbtZoZh
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) February 4, 2020
According to Reuters, no immediate details were given as to when the suspension would begin.
Chief executive said that the city can afford the economic cost
The announcement came almost two weeks after Macau confirmed its first case of the Wuhan virus, on Jan. 22.
The city has since reported 10 confirmed cases of the virus.
Bloomberg reported that the announcement was made by Macau's chief executive Ho Iat Seng, who said that the government would discuss the suspension with casino owners.
He also added that the city would be able to afford the economic cost of the suspension.
Bloomberg reported that the decision to temporarily suspend casino operations is the latest blow inflicted on Macau, which is the world's largest gambling hub.
The Chinese Special Administrative Region has been struggling to recover from the worst annual revenue decline since 2015, and gaming revenue has slipped for the fourth consecutive month after China imposed travel curbs to contain the Wuhan virus.
Macau selling masks at fixed price to ensure supply
Residents have been instructed to wear masks when travelling the city, and to stay at home as much as possible.
The Macau government bought 20 million masks for its population of about 623,000, in a bid to combat the shortage of masks in the city's pharmacies.
The sale of the additional supply of masks began on Jan. 24, and is only open to Macau residents.
Eligible residents who possess a Macau identification card will be allowed to buy up to 10 masks at a time, with the 10 masks costing 8 patacas (S$1.37).
The same identification card would be allowed to be used for a second purchase 10 days later.
In addition, non residents can also buy masks at a fixed price at other pharmacies as well.
Related Story
Top image from Unsplash.
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.