HONG KONG (REUTERS) – The Chinese territory of Macau has become a near ghost town during what is typically the busiest time of year for the world’s biggest casino hub, after the authorities announced a raft of measures to keep visitors away and contain the new coronavirus.

The local government late on Tuesday (Jan 28) said it would curb its individual visit scheme through which visitors gain entry from mainland China, days after it suspended inbound package tours.

Since last Friday, arrivals have dropped 69 per cent, latest figures showed.

The steps come as deaths from the coronavirus reached 132 in China on Wednesday, with 1,500 new cases. The flu-like virus emerged late last year in the eastern city of Wuhan and cases have since been reported worldwide, including seven in Macau.

The virus has added to concerns in the former Portuguese colony over the impact of a slowing Chinese economy and anti-government protests in neighbouring Hong Kong.

However, the outbreak also coincides with the Chinese New Year holiday, during which Macau seasonally enjoys record visitation, prompting analysts to forecast a decline in gaming revenue of at least 30 per cent for as long as visiting restrictions are in place.

Casino operators’ share prices plunged on Wednesday, by as much as 6 per cent for MGM China, 5.7 per cent for Sands, 4.8 per cent for Wynn Macau and 4.7 per cent for Galaxy Entertainment Group.

The special administrative region is China’s only location where casino gambling is legal, and over 90 per cent of visitors come from Greater China.

Transport links with mainland China have been curtailed, however, with dozens of flights and ferry services cancelled.

The local government has also extended the Chinese New Year break to the end of the week, keeping banks and businesses closed.

On Tuesday, one of Macau’s busiest tourist draws – the towering stone facade dubbed the Ruins of St Paul – was deserted, while renowned shopping and dining streets were empty as local residents also stayed at home.

Casinos were open though operators shuttered restaurants and cancelled all shows. Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng said casinos could close if the virus continues to spread.

Also known as “2019-nCoV”, the virus was first reported in Wuhan, a major transportation hub and capital of central Hubei province with a population of 11 million people.

Macau’s government has instructed all tourists from Hubei to leave the city. Around 270 remain, officials said.

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