Macau casino visitors required to present Covid-19 negative test and health code

The new Macau government policy demanding a negative Covid-19 test for entry in casinos will only apply to patrons and visitors but not employees in the properties, health authorities clarified Tuesday.

The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre announced Monday that starting from 12:00 a.m. of July 15 (Wednesday), anyone entering casinos will have to present a negative Covid-19 test apart from having to undergo the usual body temperature checks and display a health identification code, Macau Business reports.

Guangdong authorities announced that starting Wednesday from 6:00 a.m., people coming from Macau will no longer have to undergo the mandatory 14 days quarantine in nine cities of the Chinese Province, which would in effect make it easier for visitors from the province to visit the Special Administrative Region (SAR).

It was not immediately clear if the new policy would be applicable to workers employed by the casinos, with health authorities stating Tuesday that employees will continue to follow the existing epidemic prevention guidelines, such as undergoing body temperature checks and wearing health masks.

However, in order to protect the safety and health of employees, the Gaming Inspection and Co-ordination Bureau (DICJ) plans to arrange for employees of various gaming companies to take a one-off test in groups, with priority given to frontline workers such as dealers and security staff. Additionally, the Government has requested all casino operators to maintain good air quality in their premises, ensuring in particular that fresh air can circulate.