Even though the casinos in the Philippines were closed since March due to pandemic, some were operational. If one could go past the quarantine checkpoints then Casino Filipino in Angeles City was accessible until July 17. This land-based casino was one of the many casinos operated by PAGCOR or Philippines Amusement and Gambling Corporation. However, Casino Filipino has now been shut. As the COVID19 cases continue to rise in the Philippines, Casino Filipino has registered 3 positive cases among the stuff.
Carmelo Lazatin Jr, the Mayor said that PAGCOR has ordered to close the facility temporarily and it is being currently disinfected, Andrea Domingo, Chairperson of the Casino Operator confirmed. There are reports that attempts are being made to identify contract tracing. People who were in close contact with these employees have been identified and isolated and the tests are pending.
Casino Filipino was outside the General Quarantine Community. However, that is not the case for Manila. Angeles City has so far recorded 42 positive cases and 4 deaths due to the COVID19 pandemic. Casino Filipino was among many others who were allowed to reopen in June. The reports have indicated that the revenue has taken a downturn in the first quarter and it is going to be worse for the second quarter.
However, the revenues can only be recovered if the casinos in Manila are opened. However, considering the current situation, it does not look promising. President Duterte announced that the quarantine guidelines for Manila would continue until the end of the month.
The Philippines currently has 43,991 active cases and total recorded cases have crossed 69000. PAGCOR has very little option here as the curve is refused to get flattened. The casinos might remain close to keep people safe and suffer or open to take their chances and see what happens next. The decision is yet to be clear.