Author: Joyce Anderson
Seoul: Casinos Forced To Close With New Anti-COVID-19 Measures
The resurgence of the epidemiological curve of COVID-19 has sparked panic among South Korean health authorities. Indeed, we learned a few days ago the publication of a decree on the suspension of the activities of gambling houses in the capital, as well as other establishments.
Necessary Restrictions
It has been nearly a week since Seoul officials released the results of a recent study looking at the number of people infected with COVID-19. These revelations revealed 271 new cases of contamination detected during the last 7 days. A figure that is clearly down compared to previous weeks. However, the government is aware of the gravity of the situation and has just moved up a gear by adopting new and stricter security conditions, in order to significantly reduce the number of infected recorded each week in the country. These new measures will take note from this Tuesday at midnight.
Three main provinces are directly affected by these new restrictions, namely Seoul, Gyenonggi and Incheon. They will be placed at 2 e level of broad plan to reduce the Covid-19 designed by government authorities. Concretely, this means that in these three regions, gatherings of more than 100 people are now prohibited, and that certain businesses deemed non-essential such as bars, nightclubs and unfortunately casinos also will have to suspend their activities for two weeks.
Measures That Do Not Satisfy Casino Owners
These new conditions were not well received by all. The owners of casinos who are currently facing an economic crisis have not digested this news. It has also been established that when moving from level 1 to level 1.5 of the health security plan in the regions, the maximum amount of certain establishments will drop by 20%.
In addition, in terms of high-risk sectors, two gambling halls of the Seven Luck subsidiary of the South Korean branch of Grand Korea Leisure (GLK) and two others belonging to the leader in the field on the Korean market, Paradise Co Ltd, have estimated their financial loss during this period at nearly $ 5 million.
However, these new decisions arise in a particular health context. The public authorities fear that the maximum capacity of hospitals will be exceeded if the situation suddenly gets out of hand. In addition, on the question of the official dates of the national college entrance examination, it will take place on December 3. 500,000 students are expected to attend.
Another consequence of these new restrictions is the cancellation of certain sporting events such as horse racing, cycling, and sailing competitions which are the only ones in which the natives are allowed to participate. While 200 km from Seoul in the mountainous sites, the only casino where South Koreans are welcome, Kangwan Land, will close its doors.
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