Phu Quoc’s Corona Resort & Casino, the only casino in Vietnam currently permitted to accept locals under a government-mandated trial scheme, says it has temporarily suspended all operations.
According to a notice posted on the property’s website, the closure – starting from Monday 19 July – is due to a “government announcement”.
No further details are provided, however local media has been reporting in recent days that multiple domestic flight routes across Vietnam have been either suspended or reduced due to a growing outbreak of COVID-19. Among the routes impacted is Hanoi-Phu Quoc, down to one flight per week, and Ho Chi Minh City-Phu Quoc which has been suspended completely.
The HCMC-Phu Quoc route had previously operated 23 flights a week but Phu Quoc officials had reportedly requested the suspension of flights due to concerns over the island’s COVID-19 testing capacity.
Ironically, Phu Quoc had only last week begun vaccinating residents under a plan to open the island back up to foreign tourists by October.
Corona’s statement reads, “We apologize for the inconvenience which may effect you. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and strive to ensure that our guests are able to enjoy their stay feeling safe. We thank [you] for your kindest understanding and support as always.”
It added that details are viable to change based on the current situation.
Corona Resort & Casino is one of two casinos chosen by the Vietnamese government – although the only yet to open – under its three-year pilot program allowing locals to gamble.
The program requires Vietnamese citizens to show monthly income of VND10 million (US$431) for the past three months, to be over the age of 21 and to pay an entry tax of VND1 million per 24 hours.
It has been reported that the scheme may be extended due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RelatedPosts
