We (Government of Macau) don't know if this is the peak of the (COVID-19) disease. I think it could be only after Lunar New Year (CNY) because now pe… - Ho Iat Seng

So (due to COVID-19 outbreak and the closure of casinos) this year (2020)'s economy will be in the red for sure. Income in other sectors will be very little in terms of taxes, plus we (Government of Macau) are preparing for tax relief measures as support measure for people at this difficult time, and the forecast for the economy is that it will be in the red, so be prepared. No flower can bloom for a hundred days. It was necessary to prepare for adverse situations, and it was time to use the government's financial reserves to support the "fragile" economy.

It was a hard decision (to close casinos in Macau for two weeks after a hotel worker was infected by COVID-19), but we (Government of Macau) must make it for the health of Macau residents. Macau can still withstand economic losses.

We (Government of Macau) appeal to the public not to go out unless it's absolutely necessary. That's the best prevention (against the COVID-19). We had no choice but to cancel the (2020 Lunar) new year celebrations even when everything was ready.