Citing “the health and safety of casino customers and employees” during the Covid-19 viral outbreak, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OL) has temporarily closed all its casinos.
According to the Ontario Star, the closures took place after Ontario confirmed 39 new cases of the novel coronavirus, for a total of 142.
The Ottawa Citizen reports that Quebec has followed suit, with Loto-Québec closing casinos until April 12, though that date may change as conditions warrant. The province’s casinos and two provincial gaming halls have about 5,000 full-time and part-time employees.
Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are also closed until further notice. “The health and wellness of our guests and associates is our top priority,” said Niagara Casinos President Richard Taylor.
In Alberta, according to the Globe and Mail, Premier Jason Kenney declared a state of public emergency to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba all announced they would close their cases as a safety precaution.
