Australia’s largest casino, the Crown Melbourne, will not be reopening after Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that the city of Melbourne was re-entering stage three lockdown for another six weeks.
The renewed lockdown will see residents barred from leaving their homes for any purpose other than work, food, exercise, or medical care. Furthermore, restaurants and cafes must return to takeaway and delivery services only with all other entertainment venues forced to shutdown operations.
In an announcement made on its official website, the property said: “In line with the Victorian Government’s reintroduction of stage three restrictions, Crown Resorts wishes to advise all our guests that Crown Melbourne will be temporarily closed from July 9 until further notice due to COVID-19.
“The closure of Crown Melbourne is to protect the health and safety of Crown patrons, employees and the broader community.”
Crown Melbourne had been closed since March 23 but reopened its in-person dining on June 1 as part of its phased reopening.
A statement from the Premier came this week after two more citizens of Victoria lost their lives to coronavirus: “Yesterday, we reached a grim new milestone, the most cases in a single day. Today, we surpassed it,” it read.
“It’s clear we are on the cusp of our second wave – and we cannot let this virus cut through our communities.
“It’s why, based on the advice of the chief health officer, stage three ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions will be reinstated across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from 11:59pm on Wednesday 8 July.
“For six weeks, and if you live in these areas, there’ll be only four reasons to leave your home: Shopping for food and essential items. Care and caregiving. Daily exercise. Work and study – if you can’t do it from home. Otherwise: Stay home. Stay home. Stay home. In case it needs repeating, stay home. We are fighting a global and deadly pandemic.”
It continued by confirming that businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to stage three restrictions: “Restaurants and cafes will return to takeaway and delivery services only. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop.
“I know just how tough this will be for these businesses and for their workers. I promise, we’ll have more to say shortly about support to help get you through.”
