Macau authorities have responded to a small COVID-19 outbreak in the neighboring Guangdong Province by implementing stringent health protocols for visitors to hotels, casinos, restaurants, and guesthouses. The measures require guests to wear masks and undergo temperature checks upon arrival. The move follows the detection of around 100 COVID-19 cases in Foshan and Guangzhou.
Macau, known for its thriving casino industry, has been gradually recovering from pandemic-related setbacks. The city witnessed a remarkable 492.2% year-on-year increase in aggregated gross gaming revenues in May, amounting to over $5.3 billion.
Travelers from mainland China are now required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before entry. Additionally, individuals with recent visits to high-risk areas in Foshan and Guangzhou must undergo a two-week quarantine in Macau.
To enter public establishments, visitors must present a Macao Health Code, indicating their travel history, contacts, and potential symptoms. This traffic-light system designates individuals with a green, yellow, or red status. Nightclubs and spas, in particular, deny entry to those with red status.
Macau authorities will collaborate with the Macao Health Bureau to inspect establishments and ensure compliance with the latest anti-COVID-19 protocols. This move aligns with directives issued by the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, financial services giant JPMorgan Chase and Company has expressed concerns that these measures might hinder Macau's casino industry's recovery, potentially impacting its recent progress over the past six months.
