Crown Resorts Dealt Harsh Blow as Melbourne Re-enters Lockdown

Hopes that Crown Resorts’ Melbourne casino might reopen soon have been dealt a harsh blow after the Victorian government announced that the city would re-enter lockdown for the next six weeks.

On Tuesday, after Victoria recorded 191 new COVID-19 cases in the previous 24 hours compared with just eight cases across Australia’s other seven states and territories combined, the state government announced that Melbourne and several regional towns will return to Stage 3 lockdown for the next six weeks. The lockdown will allow for retail businesses to remain open with density limits, however, residents will be required to stay home and only allowed to leave for work, food, exercise or medical care.

Crown Melbourne, which has been closed since 23 March, had yet to reopen and looks set to remain shuttered for some time yet.

Crown Resorts issued a short statement in which it said only, “This afternoon the Victorian Government announced that it will reintroduce Stage 3 restrictions across metropolitan Melbourne.

“Crown’s first priority is the health and safety of its employees, guests and the community.”