Could the Deadly Coronavirus Result in the Death of Macau's Casino Scene?

Coronavirus or Covin19, is a deadly virus which is wiping out hundreds of people in Asia. If we were to believe the tabloids newspapers, very few are succumbing to its fatal charms. Bit, when you see reports of three people occupying a body bag made for one, alarm bells start to ring.

It’s true to say that this ‘new’ disease has had one hell of an economic impact on China and no industry can escape its effects, none so than the casino industry.

Macau is home to many different super casinos, which is why it earned the nickname ‘Las Vegas of Asia.’ And recently, the whole casino industry (as well as schools etc) found themselves on lockdown for a period of 15-days. This shutdown is estimated to have cost the casino industry (alone) billions of dollars.

After such a period, employees are now facing an even bigger dilemma…

…take a pay-cut or lose your jobs. During the mandatory shutdown, a survey was carried out by the Macau Gaming Labor Group, and its findings showed that 75.5% of employees feared that they would be taking home big pay-cuts or worse still, going home with no jobs at all.

Is it All-Clear?

Now that the government sanction has been lifted, casinos have been given the green light to begin operations again, but this doesn’t mean the deadly Coronavirus has gone away. Many casino officials as well as labour activist and employees have raised concerns that they are all still at a serious risk of catching the deadly virus.

Many casinos have opted for a ‘phased reopening’, which means not all gaming services will be offered. Whether you’re playing the latest slot machines or sitting at a table waiting to place a bet on roulette, however you choose to look at it, you’re placing yourself under significant risk.

What is Coronavirus?

On February 11^th, 2020, the World Health Organization announced the official name for the disease which is causing the current outbreak of Coronavirus (Covin19). Very little is known, only that the virus spreads from person to person in a style very similar to that of the flu or a cold.

Usually, Google throws up a huge list of symptoms when we’re feeling a little rough, however, more often than not we end up feeling a lot worse than before we started our investigations into what could be wrong with is. But, if you try researching the symptoms of Coronavirus, you won’t get very far.

All the health officials in the US, the UK and the rest of the world can tell us is you have a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Wow. Many of those infected show no signs or having the disease at all and the there are some that sadly pass away.

There is no vaccine to prevent the disease and the best way to prevent it is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Source: Miral, Ad, “Potential layoffs, pay cuts worry Macau casino staff”, Calvin Ayre. February 21, 2020.