Macau has shut all its casinos for the first time in more than two years, sending shares in gaming firms tumbling as authorities struggle to contain the worst coronavirus outbreak yet in the world's biggest gambling hub.
The city's 30-plus casinos and other businesses will shut for one week and people were ordered to stay at home, though short trips for essential services were allowed.
Police will monitor flows of people outside and stringent punishments will be imposed for those who disobey, the government said.
Although many casinos have been effectively closed for the past three weeks with only minimal staffing allowed, the more drastic measures hit investor confidence hard.