Great Canadian Gaming Corporation has voiced a commitment to providing a safe environment for both its guests and team members, after being forced to close two of its facilities due to enhanced COVID-19 restrictions.
The news follows announcements by the provincial governments of both Ontario and New Brunswick on October 9, 2020, that certain businesses, including casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments, will be required to close as part of the effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As a result, Great Canadian Gaming temporarily suspended casino operations at Casino Woodbine and Casino New Brunswick as of 11:59 p.m., October 9, 2020. The casino operations at the company’s other ten properties in Ontario are not impacted by the Ontario provincial government’s announcement.
In a media statement the company stated: “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.
“Great Canadian will continue to support the efforts of provincial governments, public health authorities and Crown partners in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Details regarding the reopening of Casino Woodbine and Casino New Brunswick will be announced at a later date.”
Restrictions in Ontario were brought in to the Toronto, Ottawa and Peel regions, while New Brunswick transitioned backlink to its ‘orange level’ in the Moncton and Campbellton regions after public health authorities reported 13 new cases.
“The health experts presented the most recent health data which identified some alarming public health trends that require immediate attention and early action to keep people safe,” Douglas Ford, premier of Ontario, said of his region’s decision to heighten restrictions. “That’s why we are making the difficult, but necessary decision to accept the health advice.”
Blaine Higgs, New Brunswick premier, added: “We understand this is difficult for residents in these zones and it is not a decision we made lightly. This is a critical moment for our province. If we all do our part and follow the simple rules in place to protect us, we can turn things around.”
