25,000 Macau Casino Staff Test Negative for COVID-19

  • The nucleic acid tests carried out account for 8% of all tests conducted in Macau
  • The testing data shows results for SJM Holdings Ltd and Sands China Ltd employees
  • Macau's government has the capacity to test 4,000 to 5,000 casino staff a day
medical professional swabbing patient in car for coronavirus
25,000 workers from Macau’s casino industry were tested for COVID-19, with all results coming back negative. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Good news for Macau casinos

Macau’s Health Bureau announced that around 25,000 casino staff from two gaming operators have undergone testing for COVID-19. All results came back negative.

The testing data, which is correct as of July 24 and concerns staff from SJM Holdings Ltd and Sands China Ltd, is part of new precautionary measures for those entering casinos in the city.

8% of the nucleic acid tests that have been conducted in Macau

The one-off tests account for around 8% of the nucleic acid tests (NATs) that have been conducted in Macau so far. The remaining gaming operators in Macau are Melco, MGM, Galaxy, and Wynn.

COVID-19 testing capacity

Earlier this month, it was reported that from July 15, all casino staff would be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 as a safety measure. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) in Macau is working with the city’s health authorities to organize NATs for all casino employees of Macau’s six gaming operators.

capacity to test between 4,000 to 5,000 casino staff a day

Tests are being carried out in batches, starting with frontline workers such as casino dealers and security staff. The Macau government has stated that it has the capacity to test between 4,000 to 5,000 casino staff a day; there are reportedly between 50,000 to 60,000 frontline casino employees in the world’s gambling capital.

All patrons entering Macau gaming venues also need to have their body temperature measured and display a health declaration statement. They are also required to present a “valid nucleic acid test” proving they are coronavirus-free.

Travel restrictions eased

The testing measures for casino workers came as restrictions between Macau and the Chinese mainland province of Guangdong were relaxed.

Prior to July 15, travelers coming from Macau to Guangdong were required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Currently, Macau has no new confirmed cases for COVID-19, with the last diagnosed case confirmed one month ago.

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