The urban region enjoys somewhat greater freedoms than China in general, much like Hong Kong, but the authorities there follow the zero tolerance towards covid-19 that the Chinese central government has decided on.
One week ago, 1,500 covid cases had been recorded in Macao over a three-week period. At that time, all residents were ordered to stay at home under the threat of severe punishment. All unnecessary businesses and businesses, including the city’s many casinos, were forced to close.
The strict rules have been extended until Friday next week, the authorities announce.
Macao is the only place in China where casinos are allowed and the industry is larger there than in American Las Vegas. It accounts for about half of Macao’s GDP and every fifth inhabitant works in it. It was the first time during the pandemic that the casinos needed to close.