Local Dutch municipal health services or Gemeentelijke Gezondheids Dienst (GGD) have been authorized to order the closure of casinos and slot arcades if they trace an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) to those venues, according to iGamingBusiness.com.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo De Jonge made the joint decree amid concerns about rising Covid-19 cases in the country. A recent week saw 4,036 new confirmed cases, up 55 percent from the prior seven-day period.
In addition, restaurants and bars, including those in facilities operated by casino monopoly Holland Casino, will now only be open to reservations.
Dutch gaming association VAN Kansspelen has warned its members to enforce health and safety measures to prevent new shutdowns.
“The number of infections is increasing and people not adhering to the basic rules as closely, such as observing the 1.5-meter and hygiene measures,” VAN Kansspelen said. “The national government is taking measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
“As a sector, it is important to contribute to the prevention of infections. We therefore call on you to adhere to all protocols and the rules. Also inform your guests of this if they do not comply with this.
Casinos and slot arcades in the Netherlands closed in mid-March and were originally scheduled to reopen September 1. But under pressure from the gaming industry, Rutte and de Jonge changed the date to July 1.
