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Macao eases COVID rules but tourism, casinos yet to rebound

Beijing tourists Xylia Zhang, left, and Charline Zeng pose for a photo as they visit Macao for a five-day trip in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Zhang, taking her first trip outside the mainland since the pandemic began, was looking forward to trying her luck in the casinos. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Hong Kong tourists Rain Lee, right, and Kenny Ko stand at at the historic site Ruins of St. Paul’s during their two-day trip in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Lee said she was happy not to deal with crowds, but disappointed so many businesses were shuttered. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Streets around the historic site Ruins of St. Paul’s remain quiet after the easing of entry rules in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Tourists take photos at the historic site Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Tourists enjoy unusual tranquility at the historic site Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Antony Chau, who sells roasted chestnuts, stands at his shop on Dec. 28, 2022, at Senado Square, in Macao. “Tourists just come here to have a walk instead of shopping,” said Chau. ”They’re just wandering.” (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Souvenir shop owner Lee Hong-soi stands at his shop in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. He said his business has been even quieter recently than before entry rules were relaxed. Since entry into Macao requires a negative PCR test result before departure, many in mainland China could not visit because they were infected, he said. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

A couple fill in their health declaration via a smartphone as travelers with luggage line up at the Air Macao flight check in counter at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing on Dec. 29, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Travelers with luggage gather at the Air Macao flight check in counter at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing on Dec. 29, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Grand Lisboa casino is seen in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. The gaming hub on China's south coast near Hong Kong has endured some of the world’s strictest anti-virus controls for nearly three years. Now, China's worst wave of infections so far is keeping away the hoards of high rollers who usually fill its casinos. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Tourist spot Senado Square remains quiet even after the easing of COVID entry restrictions in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Only a few tourists crisscrossed the wavy black and white paving of Macao's historic Senado Square on a recent weekday and many of the shops were shuttered. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Tourist spot Senado Square remains quiet even after the easing of COVID entry restrictions in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Only a few tourists crisscrossed the wavy black and white paving of Macao's historic Senado Square on a recent weekday and many of the shops were shuttered. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Casino Lisboa, right, is seen in Macao on Dec. 28, 2022. Gambling haven Macao’s relaxation of border restrictions after China rolled back its "zero-COVID" strategy is widely expected to boost its tourism-driven economy. The gaming hub on China's south coast near Hong Kong has endured some of the world’s strictest anti-virus controls for nearly three years. Now, China's worst wave of infections so far is keeping away the hoards of high rollers who usually fill its casinos. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)

Macao eases COVID rules but tourism, casinos yet to rebound