Macau Relaxing Quarantine Policy for Some, Casinos Unlikely to Benefit

August 3, 2022 Macau Events & Announcements

Macau casinos experienced their worst month of the entire COVID-19 pandemic in July, as gaming revenue totaled just $49 million.

For a meaningful recovery to initiate, China and the casino enclave need to reopen their borders and do away with mandatory quarantine requirements. Macau took a small step in easing its entry procedures this week. It announced a reduction in the number of days travelers arriving internationally must isolate.

Effective Aug. 6, visitors coming from foreign locations, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, will be ordered to quarantine for seven days instead of 10. The policy easing was announced by Macau’s Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Center.

Along with Hong Kong, Macau is one of two Special Administrative Regions (SAR) in the People’s Republic of China.

Mainlanders are permitted to venture into Macau but must test negative for COVID-19 before their departure and isolate for seven days.

Border Essentially Closed
While Macau is reducing the number of isolation days for people arriving from international origins, the enclave remains closed to most foreigners. Exceptions include those who are arriving for essential reasons and those who have some sort of residency status in Macau.

Those permitted to come and go must adhere to the quarantine requirements and test COVID-19 negative before their trip.

Macau slightly easing its quarantine rules will have little impact on the region’s casinos.