Casino resorts in Metro Manila’s Entertainment City shut down last Friday and will remain closed until August 20 in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. Until then, the Philippine capital will be under “enhanced community quarantine” (ECQ), the most restrictive precautionary level.
“During this period, Metro Manila casinos will be closed to the public per Philippine government and PAGCOR [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.] guidelines,” Resorts World Manila wrote in an email to GGRAsia.
“Leisure stays at the hotels as well as dine-in services will be suspended during the lockdown. Most of the restaurants at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Mall and hotels will offer takeaway or delivery instead, during this period.”
Okada Manila will also be closed, with most shops and restaurants also shut down for the period. Hotel reservations will be honored on other dates, the resort stated.
City of Dreams Manila gaming resort confirmed to GGRAsia that the whole property would be closed during the period August 6 to August 20. The resort’s three hotels closed first, on July 31. Since then, indoor and outdoor dining plus meetings and social events have also been suspended.
A rise in Delta variant cases caused the Philippines government to extend its night curfew in Manila. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. While under ECQ, only essential services and establishments such as hospitals and groceries will be allowed to remain fully operational in Metro Manila.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the lockdown could serve as a
a “circuit-breaker” to end the spread of the Delta variant.
The OCTA Research Group asked residents “to strictly follow minimum health protocols and avoid nonessential travel and all forms of social gatherings outside of their family bubbles…”
“Daunting as this impending Delta-driven surge may be, we must, and we will overcome it. But it will start with the recognition that the winning formula requires us to work together collectively, urgently, and swiftly.”
In related news, Resorts World Manila said more than 73 percent of its staff has been vaccinated.
“We are happy to share that our team have achieved herd immunity,” HR head Theresa Llamas wrote to GGRAsia. “This was achieved through the joint effort of the medical team and employees from other departments with coordination with the Pasay City Health Office and local government unit.” City of Dreams plans to offer free vaccines to its staff, along with Okada Manila.
