Macau is is shutting its casinos for the first time in more than two years, as authorities seek to contain a Covid-19 outbreak

Macau is in the grips of its worst virus outbreak since the start of the pandemic.

Around 30 casinos will shut for one week, as people are forced to stay at home.

Police are monitoring the public, who are allowed to leave their homes for essential services.

Many casinos have been shut for three weeks, as the city struggles with its Covid-zero approach.

Gambling revenue is an important source of income for Macau’s Government. It accounts for USD $29 billion annually.

While the practice is illegal under Chinese law, the gambling hub legalised gambling in the 1850s.

Frustration is mounting over the government’s handling of this latest outbreak, as fights break out at testing centres.

Earlier this year, 600,000 residents were forced to line up for mass testing in the Chinese territory.