The latest cases in Goa have led to the closure of casinos in the area, including the six offshore casinos on the Mandovi River

Two employees at two different offshore casinos in Goa have tested positive for COVID-19, another blow to the industry’s prospects as it attempts to emerge from the long period of pandemic-related business suspension. 

 In the Indian state of Goa, two employees of GOA offshore casinos  tested positive for COVID-19  on Friday, among 150 new positive COVID-19 cases.  

The latest cases have led to the closure of operations for Goa’s casinos due to the risk of a “second wave” of the virus. 

According to a report in The Times of India, the two employees have been taken to a COVID care center with the number of active cases in Goa sitting at 1,312 active cases with 687 deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, India registered more than 46,000 positive cases. 

Surel Tilve, spokesperson for the Goa Aam Aadmi Party, stated, “It is already difficult to control the flow of tourists to Goa’s casinos. It is getting out of control. COVID-19 cases in casinos have also increased.”

“The government is just trying to appease the lobby by allowing this trend to continue. We fear that if the chaos continues, Goa may witness a second COVID-19 wave sooner than later.”

Goa’s casinos, including Delta Corp, originally shut down on 14 March, reopened for business at a 50% capacity in November.

About SiGMA Europe: