Parts of the Canadian province of Ontario have today been placed into a minimum 28-day lockdown, forcing Great Canadian Gaming to increase its list of closed properties.
Amid concerns around rising Coronavirus infection rates, more businesses will be closed and indoor gatherings banned in the Peel and Toronto regions, although schools and childcare centres remain open.
However, casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments are to close for the period.
“With the numbers rising rapidly in certain regions, we have to make the tough, but necessary decisions now to protect our hospitals, long-term care and retirement homes, and every person in this province,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford in a statement.
“We cannot afford a province-wide lockdown, so we are taking preventative action today by moving Toronto and Peel into lockdown level restrictions and other regions into higher levels of restrictions. We need to take decisive action to stop the spread of this deadly virus.”
As a result, Great Canadian is closing its Casino Ajax and Great Blue Heron Casino venues with immediate effect, while the Casino New Brunswick is to introduce an occupancy limit of 50.
In a statement, the operator said: “Great Canadian is committed to providing a safe environment for both its guests and team members and introduced significant health and safety protocols as part of the reopening of the company’s properties in Ontario and New Brunswick on September 28, 2020, followed by its properties in Nova Scotia on October 5.
“Great Canadian will continue to support the efforts of provincial governments, public health authorities, regulators and Crown partners in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Details regarding the reopening of Casino Ajax and Great Blue Heron Casino will be announced at a later date.”
