Macau tells casinos to close over Wuhan virus

Macau's CE says he will meet casino bosses to discuss a half-month closure of their businesses. File photo: Shutterstock

Macau's Chief Executive, Ho Iat-seng, said on Tuesday that he had asked all casinos in the city to close for half a month, as the government fears there is now an increasing risk of the Wuhan virus spreading from person to person.



Ho also said general public services are being temporarily halted, with only emergency services to be provided. Public transport is also to be scaled back.



The CE urged all residents to stay at home "at this critical time", and to only go out if they need to buy food.



He said he would be holding a meeting with casino bosses to discuss the closure of their businesses, adding that it is a difficult move to make, but protecting people's health must be the top priority.



At a press briefing, Ho, who was wearing a face mask, also urged media workers to take care of themselves and to make sure they wear protective gear.



This was the exact opposite of advice given by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who just hours before had appeared before the press without a mask on, urging journalists to stop wearing them to conserve dwindling supplies.



Macau has confirmed 10 cases of the mainland's deadly coronavirus, with the latest patient a man who had recently travelled to Guangzhou.