Macao empty after casinos shut to fight outbreak

Streets in the gambling center of Macao were empty on Monday after casinos and most other businesses were ordered to close while Hong Kong fights a coronavirus outbreak.

On Monday, the government reported 59 new cases, bringing the total in the latest outbreak to 1,526.Macao and Hong Kong are replicating the mainland's "zero COVID" strategy. Residents were told to stay indoors unless they were buying food or other necessities.Authorities warned anyone violating the rules would be punished.Casino gambling is the mainstay of Macao's economy but has been devastated by anti-virus travel restrictions.The government says it plans to test everyone in the city for the virus over the coming week.