Macau has introduced a fresh round of closures to curb a recent rise in Covid-19 cases, though casinos will stay open.

A number of leisure facilities have been ordered to close following a sudden surge in coronavirus cases over the past week.

Cinemas, hair salons and nightclubs are among those facing closure from 5 pm local time today, while dine-in service at restaurants or similar establishments is prohibited, a statement on Macau’s government website read.

In addition, all leisure facilities managed by Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau, such as parks, gardens and exhibition halls, are being suspended from operation.

But casinos have evaded closure, despite several infections linked to them. Four positive cases were recorded in relation to an 18 June wedding held at SJM Holdings’ Grand Lisboa Palace.

And yesterday, the city’s daily testing identified two dealers, alongside a table game manager, office worker and a cleaner, as cases originating from casinos.

Earlier today, Macau’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre reported that 110 positive cases had thus far been detected.

This comes as citywide nucleic acid testing (NAT) is launched. All local residents and individuals staying in Macau must submit to testing.

Executive Order No. 102/2022, which introduces the latest closures, was issued by Chief Executive Ho lat-seng based on an evaluation by the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre.

Besides the aforementioned properties subject to this order, theatres, indoor amusement parks, game centres, cybercafes, billiard rooms, bowling centres, saunas, massage parlours, beauty salons, gyms, health clubs, karaoke lounges, discos, dance parlours, cabaret venues and swimming pools will all close.

Don’t pay attention to the spread of the flu! Get your gaming business up and running!