Macau begins COVID-19 tests, shuts some venues after four new cases (updated)

Imperial Pacific International Holdings

04/08/2021 06:40

(Adds closure of entertainment venues)
    HONG KONG, Aug 4 (Reuters) - The gambling hub of Macau will
begin testing its 600,000 people and close some entertainment
spots after the Chinese-ruled city confirmed four new
coronavirus cases, its government said in a statement on
Wednesday.
    Macau has set up 41 nucleic acid testing stations across the
city which will run non-stop for at least three days, which is
the estimated required period, the statement said. Appointments
would not be needed, it said.
    Separately, the government said cinemas, theatres, indoor
playgrounds, bowling alleys, massage parlours, bars, nightclubs,
and other such venues would be closed from midnight.
    Macau's casinos, the city's main economic engine and source
of revenues, remain open.
    The casinos were forced to suspend operations for two weeks
last year due to the coronavirus. Although they have reopened,
business remains subdued as travel restrictions discourage
affluent gamblers from entering Macau.
    Macau has registered only 59 coronavirus cases and recorded
no deaths so far, according to Hong Kong government data.
    Hong Kong's government said it removed Macau from its list
of places from which residents could return to the finance hub
without the need for quarantine. That 'Return2HK' list now only
contains places from mainland China.

 (Reporting by Twinnie Siu and Marius Zaharia; Editing by Raju
Gopalakrishnan)
 ((marius.zaharia@thomsonreuters.com; +852 2843 6358;))